Black spot program funds set to save lives in South Burnett

June 15, 2021

Kingaroy residents have received a road safety boost with the Australian Government announcing it will invest $353,500 under the 2021–22 Black Spot Program to fix a problematic intersection in Kingaroy.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said community input was critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate.

“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I am pleased to see that projects like this one at the intersection of Glendon Street and Markwell Street at Kingaroy will be delivered under the 2021–22 funding round.

“Motorists often drive through this intersection at speed, resulting in a high rate of ongoing angle crashes – the works on this intersection aim to slow the speed of traffic through the roundabout while also increasing safety for pedestrians.

“The project will increase the centre roundabout island diameter, install kerb extensions, restrict parking bays, remove u-turn provisions, install a pedestrian refuge island, remove existing non-compliant kerb ramps and update signage at the intersection.

“This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home sooner and safer, as even one death or one serious injury crash on our roads is one too many.

“Motorists living within and visiting Maranoa will be pleased to know a total of 21 notorious black spots in the electorate will be fixed with a total $2,398,000 under the 2021-22 Black Spot Program.

“None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input and I encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects for future funding rounds.

“This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads right across the nation.”

Under the latest funding round, $20.8 million will be invested in 67 Black Spot projects across Queensland, making an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Queensland roads and building on previous investments in the state.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.

Fast Facts:

• The Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013–14 to 2023–24 to improve road safety across Australia.

• The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred.

• This new funding will see total investment through the Black Spot Program in Queensland rise to $189.2 million.