“These extra projects are expected to save an additional five lives and prevent 256 injury crashes over 10 years, delivering economic benefits of around $168 million.”
The initiatives may also provide more opportunities for apprenticeships in Queensland, particularly as recent research from Master Builders Australia indicated construction and trades skills are in high demand nationwide. According to the organisation, one-third of construction companies in the country are looking to hire more apprentices in 2015.
Where may jobs be available?
Funding for individual projects in the Black Spot Programme between 2015-16 ranges from the tens of thousands of dollars for small upgrades up to over $1.7 million for more complex improvements.
Many of the biggest initiatives currently outlined by the Australian government are located within the Brisbane City Council region. Of these, renovations to Sir Samuel Griffith Drive from Simpsons Road to Summit Roundabout are the largest in scale.
Work will include the installation of edge line markings and a high-friction surface, the removal of roadside hazards and the addition of guardrails and warning signs. In total, the government is providing $1,762,000 for the project. More than $1.3 million will also go towards work on Blunder Road in Oxley, including the installation of new traffic signals.
Ewen Jones, member for Herbert and chair of the Queensland Black Spot Consultative Panel, said the targeted upgrades will significantly improve road user safety.
“An evaluation of the Black Spot Programme has found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30 per cent, equalling one life per year for every 84 projects,” he explained.
“Projects also return almost $7 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.”
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Affairs Coordinator
