Anew road safety initiative aimed at getting drivers home has been launched in the Limestone Coast.
The launch of Australia’s inaugural Regional Road Safety Alliance in the South East, a groundbreaking initiative by the Get Home Safe Foundation, was co-hosted by local Liberal MLC and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Regional Roads and Government Accountability Ben Hood.
Mr Hood said the Get Home Safe Foundation is aiming to create effective and fully self-governing alliances in regions that could transform how our country roads are shaped in the future.
“By encouraging all local councils, along with local federal and state MPs, road safety strategies will be designed by region, rather than by individual towns,” he said.
“The creation of an alliance that encourages regional councils to work as one will help to pool resources and ideas sourced from the locals who use the roads.
“Local businesses as well as residents will be encouraged to work with the alliances as they are formed in regions across South Australia.”
Mr Hood said it was a privilege to co-chair the launch at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, which attracted strong attendance from local government, emergency services, industry representatives, and community members, all eager to address the critical issue of road safety in our regions.
“The need for such an alliance is clear. With two-thirds of South Australia’s road fatalities occurring in regional areas, despite only a third of the population living there, our rural communities face a disproportionate and devastating toll,” he said.
“Historically, local volunteer groups have led the charge for road safety, but declining numbers due to insufficient funding and support have left a gap the Regional Road Safety Alliance seeks to fill.
“This alliance is about empowering regional communities. By bringing together councils, businesses, emergency services, and residents, it aims to develop collaborative, locally-driven solutions tailored to the unique challenges of regional roads.
“A united approach means pooling resources, sharing successful strategies, and ensuring safer roads for everyone.
“The South East is leading the way with this initiative, setting a precedent for other regions across South Australia and the nation.
“I look forward to working alongside Darren Davis and the Get Home Safe Foundation to create lasting change. Together, we can ensure that all road users – young and old – arrive home safely. Let’s make our roads car-worthy and continue this essential work for our regional communities.”
Get Home Safe Foundation president Darren Davis, who co-chaired the Mount Gambier meeting, launched the Get Home Safe Foundation in 2018 where he pledged to work tirelessly in the quest for safer regional roads.
He also promised to encourage the spirit of collaboration in the road safety space in the hope that many minds working together will be more effective and will create safer roads.
Mr Davis said, for the first time, councils will have a real focus on road safety in their communities.
“Some councils have done very well, now is the time for those councils to work with others in their region to collaborate so the whole region benefits,” he said.
“Local councils, local businesses, local emergency services, local stakeholders and residents will be able to work together to find local solutions to their sickening road toll. They know the roads, they know the issues, so let’s work with them to make their roads safer for all families.”
