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Road funding an insult to WA: RAC

19 October 2007

The RAC has lambasted the Liberal and Labor parties in the lead up to the Federal Election saying once again WA is the forgotten State when it comes to Federal road funding.

The RAC's Executive Manager of Member Advocacy David Moir said the pledge by Treasurer Peter Costello to fix roads in Wanneroo and Swan last week was an insult compared to the billion dollar investment that was being made in other areas of the country.

"We are seeing billions of dollars worth of investment in Federal roads in other States but nothing for Western Australia. There has been a history of neglect when it comes to road funding for Western Australia and we have had enough," he said.

Mr Moir said the RAC was urging its members and motorists to get on the phone to their local candidates, especially those in the key marginal seats, and demand to know why the Western Australia was being forgotten again.

"The cold truth is that WA has the worst road safety record of all States in Australia and that WA doesn't get its fair share of Federal road funding," said Mr Moir.

"The road toll in this State is at its highest level in recent times and the right level of Federal Road funding is an imperative part of fixing the problem."

The RAC has spoken with both parties about their commitment to Western Australia's roads but are yet to receive a positive response.  

The RAC wrote to candidates in the key marginal seats of Hasluck, Cowan, Swan and Stirling in August to ask them for a commitment of $3billion from 2009-2014 to help upgrade roads, better educate drivers and improve vehicle safety in WA.

In early October the RAC wrote to its members in the key marginal seats asking them to vote for road safety because those members were in a unique position to influence the major parties to improve the safety of WA's roads.

The RAC has also launched a website, http://www.fixroadsafety.com.au/ and an advertising campaign to support the call for a fairer deal for WA.