Thursday, 19 July 2007

SYKES: GREYSPOT FUNDING NEEDED FOR BENALLA ELECTORATE

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is disappointed that there is no allocation in the recently announced Greyspot Program funding for roads in the Benalla Electorate.

Dr Sykes said, “I recognise the merit behind the Greyspot Program but remain concerned that the Government’s $15m commitment to be spent in 2007/08 and 2008/09 falls well short of what is required to fix country Victoria’s deteriorating road network. Further, there are no allocations in the first $7m round of project announcements for dangerous intersections in the Benalla Electorate.”

“I have this week spoken with Tim Pallas, the Minister for Roads and Ports and he has indicated that a further $8m worth of projects are to be announced.

“Given the Greyspot Program is designed to target intersections which do not meet traditional crash-based blackspot criteria but where the potential for future crashes has been identified, I urge local people to lobby for funding for intersections of concern to them.

Dr Sykes continued, “Specific concerns raised with me earlier in the year related to the intersection at the Baddaginnie Road – Hume Freeway and the intersection of the Old Hume Highway Benalla and Samaria Road,” Dr Sykes said.

“I will support the efforts of local people by talking with VicRoads who are responsible for establishing priorities for funding.

The Nationals Spokesperson for Roads, Paul Weller reminded the Parliament this week of statistics which indicate that a disproportionate number of people are killed each year on country roads compared to urban areas. Since 2000, when 182 people died on country roads, the average road toll in regional areas has risen to 189. During the same period the urban road toll has dropped considerably.

Dr Sykes concluded, “It is crucial that the Government commits further funding to the Greyspot Program to ensure it continues beyond 2008/09, as we all know that if you fix country roads, you save country lives.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989