The IPWEA/RTA Local Government Road Safety Strategy works to raise the priority of road safety in Local Government. This is achieved through support for Council road safety strategic planning, the administration of funding for local road safety initiatives and through the presentation of annual Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards, to recognise outstanding Council achievements. The IPWEA/RTA strategy is one element of the NSW Local Government
Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards
The 2007 Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards attracted 20 nominations from some 33 Councils across NSW. The awards, sponsored by the Motor Accidents Authority, were presented at the Annual Conference of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) – NSW Division, in Sydney on Monday 14 May 2007. For further information, please contact the Road Safety Project Manager on (02) 8267 3012.
WINNER
Cessnock and Maitland City, Dungog Shire and Port Stephens Councils Lower Hunter Speed Project
This project addressed the issue of speeding on roads in rural and residential areas in the Lower Hunter. Specifically the project aimed to conduct a joint police enforcement and Council education program to reduce speeds on identified local roads.
The project involved data collection from traffic classifiers, analysis of police data, education through courtesy speed checks and variable message boards, as well as the use of local media. This project encompassed a systematic identification of roads for enforcement. It reported good stakeholder and community involvement and links with the Enhanced Enforcement Program.
The Lower Hunter Speed Project is an example of how project research, planning and communication strategies have maximised the use of limited resources, including the systematic promotion of enforcement through local advertising.
This project included speed surveys to demonstrate speed reductions and contribute to an estimate of road safety benefits.
Congratulations to Cessnock and Maitland City, Dungog Shire and Port Stephens Councils.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Tumut, Tumbarumba and Gundagai Shire Councils Keep Your Child Safe – Use a Restraint
This project was based on local research that identified a need for further information for parents and carers about the appropriate selection and use of child restraints. The project reports the establishment of a substantial ongoing local network of some 60 organisations across the three Shires to provide consistent information about this complex issue. In addition, a number of resources were developed, complemented by a local media campaign.
This project demonstrated thorough planning from the clear identification of local needs to the establishment of, and consultation with, a comprehensive network able to make an ongoing contribution on the issue. The project also reported an increase in the number of child restraints being fitted or checked by local authorised restraint fitters.
Congratulations to Tumut, Tumbarumba and Gundagai Shire Councils.
Moree Plains and Gwydir Shire Councils SMASHED – Drink Drive Stage Play
This project featured the preparation and presentation of a stage play to raise the awareness of young drivers in the 16 to 25 year age group about the consequences of drink driving. The play was written especially for the project and was workshopped and performed by local young people, with a number of encore performances required. Strong stakeholder support, including the local Youth Council and the Cascades Theatre, is reported.
This project was innovative in its approach and featured strong consultation through all stages of planning and development. Project evaluation indicated an increase in the awareness of the range of consequences of drink driving. Project sustainability is enhanced through sound links with community networks. The play has now been incorporated into the local learner driver mentoring program.
Congratulations to Moree Plains and Gwydir Shire Councils.
