Louise Miller-Frost (Boothby, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak to the importance of Australia's Black Spot Program, and I thank the member for Barker for bringing this important private member's motion forward. South Australians have had a devastating 12 months, with 94 people dying on our roads. This is a 10.6 per cent increase on the previous year. In September 2022, the RAA of South Australia identified the intersection of Sturt Road and Marion Road in my electorate as the most dangerous in the state, accounting for 40 casualty crashes in the preceding five-year period. This is more than any other intersection in South Australia, exceeding even the notorious Britannia Roundabout, which you would be familiar with, Deputy Speaker Sharkie.

Thankfully, we have the Black Spot Program, targeting the road locations where crashes are occurring or are at higher risk of occurring. We know that projects delivered through Black Spot funding reduce serious crashes by an average of 30 per cent. Programs such as these are incredibly effective in the long run. They may end up saving our communities many times the cost of relatively minor road improvements that are implemented, saving them from the trauma of loss, as well as financially.

The Australian government is wholeheartedly committed to the $110 million a year Black Spot Program across the nation, and, under the Black Spot Program's 2023-24 funding round, South Australia will be receiving funding of $5.9 million and investing in 17 sites across the state. Funding under the Australian government's Black Spot Program will substantially improve 24 dangerous crash sites on South Australian roads, and I'm relieved to know that these works will mean more South Australians get home safe.

An example of one of these projects is the intersection of Marion Road and Alawoona Avenue in Mitchell Park, in my electorate. The installation of a traffic signal pole and lanterns will improve visibility of the traffic signals, and projects such as these are improving road safety in my electorate and across the state and keeping South Australians safe.

Of course, we know that the road toll doesn't end at the city limits. I personally have two friends who have both separately lost parents in crashes on country roads, and, having lived in rural South Australia for a period of time, I know the impact of crashes on emergency services, who are often volunteers from the local community, health services, who likewise live locally, and the local community at large. It's important that Black Spot funding goes to the areas where we know that there is a high road toll and high crashes. Road deaths are one of the most preventable public health issues we face, and the Black Spot initiative recognises this.

Applications for Black Spot funding are considered annually, and anyone can apply—it's a simple two-page application. I'd say to anyone listening: if you know that a local road is dangerous, I strongly encourage you to apply. It's a simple online application that can be emailed to the relevant state transport department, who will undertake the road safety audit section of the application for you. A few minutes of your time could make a huge difference in your local community, by simply putting in the time to apply for this funding.

I'm very proud to be part of a government that is wholeheartedly committed to the $110 million a year Black Spot Program and that takes road safety seriously. We will continue to fund measures right across the country that improve road safety, because we understand that these measures mean more Australians make it home to see their families. Twelve hundred road deaths a year is simply too many, and we need to do better.

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