The Greater Shepparton Road Safety Community Forum was recently held in Shepparton, organised by Victoria Police to discuss the rising number of local road accidents and fatalities.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe said the forum was a great opportunity for the community to meet with the police, and to hear from GV Road Safety and emergency services, including Shepparton Search and Rescue, Ambulance Victoria, and the Fire Brigade.
Attendees also heard from programs such as Cool Heads and the L2P Driving Program.
Victoria Police provided road data and an update on the increase in road trauma across the region.
“What we know is that country people are dying on country roads and our road toll is higher than this time last year, and the highest it’s been for the past 15 years,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The forum’s discussions covered driver education, driver behaviour, country roads, dangerous intersections, and the condition of unsafe roads in the region.
“It has been a horrific time on our roads, and this distressing trend needs to stop. We need to identify what can be done. The police highlighted that we all have a role to play in being responsible whilst driving,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Distractions such as mobile phones and driver fatigue are among the greatest contributors to road trauma.
“Wearing seatbelts saves lives, and obeying speed limits is so important. We also know that there are drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“There are many contributing factors to road accidents and trauma, and the more we can do to promote better driver behaviour, the better.”
Ms O’Keeffe expressed concern over the Allan Labor Government’s cuts to road safety programs.
“Labor has cut a staggering $230 million from road safety programs over the past two years.
“This includes a $150 million reduction in the TAC-funded safer system roads and infrastructure program, alongside an $81 million shortfall in the TAC marketing and road safety budget over the past two financial years.
“This is happening at a time when our road toll is the highest in 15 years.”
Ms O’Keeffe also highlighted the need for immediate attention to road maintenance.
“Our crumbling and unsafe roads urgently need to be addressed. Drivers are experiencing the consequences of the Labor Government cutting roads maintenance by 45% since 2020.
“Just recently, we heard that the debt-ridden Allan Labor Government is slashing resurfacing and rehabilitation works, which have plummeted by more than 65% on regional roads.”
“The government has their priorities all wrong. Road safety programs and safer roads should be a priority,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe said she will continue to work with local stakeholders and the community to address road safety.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our roads and regional Victorians are paying the price.”