Funding approved for Katherine Black Spot intersection

Katherine's Giles and First Street intersection will be made safer by the installation of a roundabout funded under the Australian Government's Black Spot Program.

Northern Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, today announced $126,500 is being provided to Katherine Town Council to carry out the project this financial year.

Senator Scullion, who is also the Territory's Black Spot Committee Chairman, said the Giles and First Street intersection has been identified as a priority location for Black Spot funding.

"Over the past five years there have been six injury crashes at the intersection. The people of Katherine know the difficulties and risks associated with the intersection and I'm delighted we're now in a position to make it safer."

Senator Scullion also announced $25,000 is being made available to Coomalie Community Government Council for the realignment and modification of a curve on Crater Lake Road.

"There has been widespread community consultation to make both these projects a reality and I appreciate the input of local and Territory Governments, the AANT and the NT Road Safety Council."

"This cooperative approach has helped eliminate 59 dangerous crash locations throughout the Northern Territory since the Black Spot Program began in 1996."

"Evaluation of the Black Spot Program has shown it is very successful in reducing road trauma and due to this success I'm pleased to report the Australian Government is extending funding for another two years until 2007-08."

Senator Scullion said he's like to see more applications from Central Australia.

"At the last Black Spot Committee meeting there was not one single funding proposal from Central Australia.

"Many people may not be aware that private individuals can make a submission for Black Spot funding.

"I'd like to hear about any dangerous bends, crests, intersections, pedestrian crossings or other local road problems which might meet Black Spot funding criteria. Members of the public should contact my office with details," Senator Scullion said.

In this year's Federal Budget the Nothern Territory received an extra $700,000 under the AusLink Black Spot Program for an estimated seven priority crash locations.

2005-07-06