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21 Feb 2022

Federal funding boosts safety on Pages Flat Road | Media Release

THE HON BARNABY JOYCE MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development

THE HON SCOTT BUCHHOLZ MP

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport

SENATOR ANDREW MCLACHLAN CSC

Senator for South Australia

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

New road safety upgrades and improvements will be rolled out along Pages Flat Road between Willunga and Myponga, thanks to a $500,000 funding boost from the Australian and South Australian Governments.

Works are already underway on road safety upgrades and the additional funding brings the total project spend to $2 million, split between the Australian ($1.6 million) and State ($400,000) governments.

Upgrades to Pages Flat Road include safety barriers, surface treatment and the installation of audio tactile line marking. It is expected that the safety upgrades will reduce crashes by up to 40 percent and help get locals, visitors and freight to their destinations sooner and safer.

Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC said the funding was a fantastic outcome for the local community.

“There have been many serious crashes on Pages Flat Road in recent years and the tragic loss of life and serious injuries must be prevented. Many have expressed concerns over the road’s condition,” Senator McLachlan said.

“One crash is too many, which is why it is imperative this investment be rolled out to ensure the road is as safe as possible for all travellers.

“These safety upgrades have been developed with the intent to reduce crashes and in particular, run off crashes, which we know are an issue on this stretch of road.

“As tourism continues to grow across the Fleurieu Peninsula, it is essential that our governments invest in road infrastructure and I am very pleased that the Federal Government is dedicating $1.6 million to this important project.”

Works on the $2 million Pages Flat Road safety upgrades are currently underway and are expected to be completed by mid-2022.

The Australian Government has also provided more than $3 million in funding for safety upgrades to the Playford Highway on Kangaroo Island and these projects form part of the nationwide $3 billion Road Safety Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.

“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.

“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.”

    Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.

    “Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.

    “Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”

    The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.

    For more information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.

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