Thursday Island residents received a major road safety boost today with the Australian Government announcing it will invest $820,500 towards two projects under the 2022–23 Black Spot Program.
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 or are at risk of occurring.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch MP, who made the announcement on Thursday Island, said community input was critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate.
“Road crashes place major emotional strain on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims,” Mr Entsch said.
“The intersection of Douglas and Hastings Sts will receive a $459,500 upgrade to install a roundabout, separate pedestrian and vehicular zones, resurface the road, install new kerb and channel, line marking, splitter islands, footpath connections and kerb ramps, new LED street lighting.
“The intersection of Blackall Douglas Sts will also receive $361,000 towards similar works.
“Motorists living within and visiting Thursday Island will be pleased to know two notorious black spots will be fixed with funding from the 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.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the government’s investment would continue to make roads safer across the nation.
“The government is committed to reducing deaths on our roads and sparing families from the immeasurable impact these tragedies have,” Mr Joyce said.
“This funding is part of the government’s $1.3 billion commitment to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2025-26 to improve road safety across the nation.”