Road safety improvements under way at Dareton
06 August 2009
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch was in Dareton today to unveil a NSW Government program to identify and improve roads into and out of Aboriginal communities.
Mr Lynch said Dareton was one of 63 identified communities to be included in the State Government's Aboriginal Road Safety Assessment program.
The program is being rolled out by the RTA in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the NSW Department of Local Government, the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Local Government and Shires Association and Wentworth Shire Council.
"I'm pleased to report that the RTA completed its road safety infrastructure assessment of the New Merinee and Namatigra Avenue Aboriginal communities in Dareton last month, identifying what improvements need to be made on the roads into and out of these two communities," Mr Lynch said.
"Since then, the RTA has already started work on extending the 80km/h speed limit on the Silver City Highway and installing new signs along this stretch of road to improve road safety, particularly for local motorists," he said.
"The assessment also identified ways we can improve road safety on the surrounding local roads and we'll be working with the local council and the Aboriginal Lands Council to further this work," Mr Lynch said.
"In addition a number of infrastructure needs on Lands Council land such as asphalt, kerb and gutter and footpath, drainage and lighting issues were identified," he said.
Mr Lynch said a detailed report on the Dareton assessment would be submitted in December for consideration by the Government.
"This initiative underlines the Rees Government's determination to improve services for local Aboriginal communities across the state," he said.
"The Government will continue to work with Aboriginal communities across NSW to look at ways we can improve road safety and road infrastructure to the benefit of these important communities," Mr Lynch said.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936
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