Road Safety Strategy aims at zero annual deaths by 2050

Published on 29 June 2023

A new Road Safety Strategy, adopted by Baw Baw Shire Council, is aiming for zero serious injuries or deaths on Baw Baw Shire roads by 2050.

Supported by funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the strategy is the culmination of more than 12 months of research, development, and community consultation, and represents a significant step forward in enhancing road safety throughout the region.

Developed with input from local stakeholders, agencies and transport authorities, the new Strategy takes a multifaceted approach to identify, assess, and target specific areas of concern, fostering a safer environment for all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

The Strategy identifies four key themes that will guide Council’s road safety response of the next five years:

1. Leadership and best practice – Council is committed to Towards Zero and the Safe System Approach, acting as an exemplar of road safety.
2. Working together – Council will work with our road safety partners and the local community to shape the future of road safety.
3. Safe System approach – Council applies the globally recognised Safe System approach, which addressed the four main factors that contribute to a crash, including:
   • Safe roads
   • Safe speeds
   • Safe people
   • Safe vehicles
4. Active, public and other modes of transport – Council will reduce risks for all mode of transport users, recognising how important this is for a healthy and sustainable community.

Supporting these key themes is a robust action plan for addressing them. Key recommendations include:

• Regular reviews of crash data to identify key issues and trends to inform planning, projects and operations.
• The introduction of a Safe System Principles check on road infrastructure upgrades, including signage and line marking improvements.
• Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly training for staff.
• Post-implementation evaluations of traffic management treatments to identify the most effective solutions for improving road safety.
• Promotion of road safety messages and educational material for motorcyclists.
• Upgrade of bicycle facilities on local roads.
• Promotion and education on the Victorian road rules.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users in Baw Baw Shire,” says Mayor Annemarie McCabe. “This strategy aims to proactively address road safety challenges and create an environment where everyone can travel with confidence. By combining infrastructure enhancements, education, collaboration and data analysis, we are determined to achieve our vision of reducing road accidents and creating a safer road network for all.”

 "This is a very serious issue," says Cr Keith Cook, mover of the motion to adopt the strategy. "I'm pleased that Council has made the steps to do as much as we can to alleviate death and injury on the roads in our Shire."

Cr Jones, who seconded the motion, says "I appreciate the TAC funding for this review. We are now in a better place to contemplate and initiate change to make our community safer for pedestrians and drivers."

Click here to access the Baw Baw Road Safety Strategy 2023-2027(PDF, 1MB) in its entirety.