Cairns residents received a major road safety boost today with the federal government announcing it will invest $590,000 toward two projects under its highly-successful Black Spot Program.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said community input was critical to identifying the two black spots in the Cairns CBD.
“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims,” Mr Entsch said.
“I am pleased to see the projects at the intersection of Digger and McKenzie Sts and at the intersection of Sheridan and Aplin Sts will be delivered under this funding round.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure those living and travelling through the Cairns CBD are able to do so more safely by providing the infrastructure they want, need and most importantly deserve.
“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.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced Queensland would receive $25.3 million over two years under the latest round of program funding.
“The federal government’s record investment into upgrading roads is saving lives right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.
“Fixing the 51 black spots identified in Queensland, including in Cairns, over the next two years will play a crucial role in helping us achieve that goal.
“By specifically targeting road locations with a history of crashes for safety upgrades such as lighting, signage, traffic lights and roundabouts, the Black Spot Program reduces crashes causing injury and death at those sites by around 30 per cent.
The federal government has committed $1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013–14 to 2022‑23 to improve road safety across the nation.
For further information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/black_spot/
Black Spot Program Funding Details:
- $360,000 for construction of a roundabout and installation of BAZ (Bicycle Awareness Zones), approach speed limit signage, on-road-off-road transition and upgrade of street lighting at the intersection of Digger Street and McKenzie Street.
- $230,000 for construction of a short right tune lane for Aplin Street, western approach, signal modification, controlled right turn phases for each approach and mast arm installations on Sheridan Street and Aplin Street.