The Albanese Labor Government’s plan to slash speed limits to 70 kilometres per hour on unsigned rural roads in poor condition. This has been slammed as a lazy and short-sighted response to Australia’s worsening road toll.
Under the proposal, speed limits would be reduced on dirt, gravel or sealed roads in need of repair, a move that fails to address the real safety issues facing regional communities.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has criticised the proposal as a lazy approach to road safety reform. Ms Landry says the Labor Government should focus on fixing dangerous roads instead of punishing regional motorists with slower speed limits.
“This ‘solution’ will only halt productivity. This will not address the root cause of the problem, which is Labor’s cuts to road funding.
“Across Capricornia, poor road conditions remain on of the most prominent issues that locals are facing.
“Local councils in the electorate would love to upgrade their roads to a safe standard but they simply can’t get the necessary work done due to the funding cuts from the Albanese Labor Government,” Ms Landry said.
Ms Landry is urging local transport operators, small businesses, farmers and councils to make submissions to the Government’s consultation before 27 October. This will show this government how they will be impacted from the continuation of road funding cuts and the speed limit reductions on regional, rural and remote roads.
“Capricornia is the beating heart of Australia’s economy. Labor has an obligation to protect the lives of every person commuting these roads. I call on the Minister to get on with it and fund rural road repairs,” Ms Landry said.
Submissions can be made at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/regulatory-impact-analysis-reduce-open-road-default-speed-limit.
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