MEDIA RELEASE
12 NOVEMBER 2009
ROAD SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENTS FOR
IDENTIFIED NSW ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES
In an Australian first, the RTA has led a multi-agency team undertaking road safety
infrastructure assessments for 66 identified Aboriginal communities in NSW.
The RTA working in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs NSW, NSW Aboriginal Land
Councils, Division of Local Government, and individual local councils has carried out road
safety infrastructure assessments for identified Aboriginal communities across the state.
The multi-agency team led by RTA engaged with local Aboriginal communities who
participated in the assessments and have identified road safety issues to be addressed.
Work carried out included adjusting speed limits, introducing traffic calming measures to
residential areas, widening intersections and improving footpaths for pedestrians.
The assessments were undertaken using safe system principles to improve road safety.
Under the safe system model, roads are managed so as to anticipate and accommodate
drivers and road users' error.
“This road safety project underlines our commitment to improve road safety for Aboriginal
communities,” an RTA Spokesperson said.
“We know that Aboriginal communities have an increased risk of being affected by road
trauma and sadly this trend in NSW is consistent with South Australia, Western Australia
and the Northern Territory.
“The NSW Government has recognised the gap in living conditions experienced by
Aboriginal people and under the NSW State Plan has developed an improvement
strategy and is putting it into action.
“This is an important project and demonstrates how an effective partnership can deliver
road safety improvements that can make a real difference in disadvantaged
communities” an RTA spokesperson said.
Editor’s Note: ‘Adopting the safe systems approach to road safety for Aboriginal people
in NSW: Safety Assessments of roads and roadsides for Aboriginal communities’ will be
presented at the 2009 Australasian Road Safety Conference, Sydney, 11-12 November
2009.
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
