Anthony Albanese

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Leader of the House

Bill Shorten

Member for Maribyrnong

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten today announced that Federal money will be spent to fix a dangerous blackspot in St Albans.

The Gillard Labor Government will provide $225,000 to improve safety at the site.

The approved project in the Federal electorate of Maribyrnong is:

•  Intersection of Station Avenue and Oberon Avenue in St Albans: $225,000 to construct a roundabout, relocate a pole and install street lighting.

Mr Albanese said the project was recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2012/2013).

Mr Shorten said it was an investment that will be welcomed by the local community.

“It will make that part of St Albans much safer for residents and visitors, improving traffic flow and visibility,” Mr Shorten said.

“Over $1.6 million has been spent in the Maribyrnong electorate since the Labor Government was elected in 2007, to fix 10 black spots.”

Mr Shorten said the Black Spot program was open for members of the community to nominate a section of road that they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.

“Nomination forms are available from my office.  Alternatively, they can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au.”

Mr Albanese said an independent evaluation of the program found it prevented at least 32 fatalities and more than 1,500 serious injuries in its first three years, underscoring its effectiveness at reducing fatal car accidents.

“That’s why nationally we’ve doubled the program’s funding to half a billion dollars – more than honouring all our election commitments.”

Mr Shorten said that while news of the Federal blackspot funding was welcome, the State Government continued to drag its heels on funding grade separation at the Main Road, St Albans level crossing.

“I was very disappointed to see that there was no money in the State Budget to fast-track this project,” Mr Shorten said.

“It seems to be yet another example of the Coalition putting Melbourne’s north west at the bottom of the priority list.”

15/05/12

Media Contacts

For Mr Albanese:                Jeff Singleton                      0410 476 890

For Mr Shorten:                  Kieran Barns-Jenkins       (03) 9326 1300