Two high-risk road crossings in Torquay have been made safer thanks to funding from the Albanese Government under the 2023/24 Black Spot program.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, joined Deputy Mayor of the Surf Coast Shire, Mike Bodsworth, to celebrate the completion of road upgrades which include a raised pedestrian crossing on Beach Road, near the intersection of The Esplanade.

Ms Coker said the upgrades at the busy Taylors Park crossing reflect the Albanese Government’s commitment to working with local government to build safer roads, particularly in high-use areas often used by families and children on bikes.

“Road safety is a matter that impacts all of us, each and every day,” Ms Coker said.

“This investment demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to building safer roads and reducing the crushing impacts of road trauma.”

“This government is investing in road safety right across our region to ensure locals get home safely, every trip.”

“I’d like to thank Surf Coast Shire Council for working closely with us to deliver important road upgrades for our local communities.”

A second raised pedestrian crossing has also been installed on Beach Road, near Letham Lane, whilst extended roundabouts, raised pedestrian crossings, and dedicated cycle lanes have been installed at numerous intersections along Fischer Street.

The completion of works follow the Albanese Government’s substantial funding increase for future rounds of the Black Spot Program, which, since July 1, is progressively increasing from $110 to $150 million per year.

Further, the Roads to Recovery funding has already increased to $650 million this year up from $500 million last year and will continue to increase to $1 billion by 2027-28 per year onwards.

These changes will also help ensure funding is stable, predictable, and fair into the future.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Comments attributable to Deputy Mayor, Surf Coast Shire Council, Mike Bodsworth:

“Thank you to the Australian Government for funding these vital road safety works.

“Making roads safer at intersections is a strategic focus of our Road Safety Strategy.

“And we know this intersection is used a lot by families and children, so this raised pedestrian crossing will make it easier for them to cross the road safely and encourage some more active transport around Torquay.”