Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby acknowledges ‘disturbing trend’ on regional roads after Brand Highway crash

New Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby has acknowledged regional road incidents are on a “disturbing trend”, as the Federal Liberal Party committed funding towards regional road projects. On Monday, at least five people were injured after a road crash on Brand Highway in Hill River, east of Jurien Bay. In State Parliament on Wednesday, Nationals WA leader and Mid-West MP Shane Love questioned safety on country roads. He asked the State Government whether it was taking road safety seriously, given the appointment of a third road safety minister in two years. Mr Love also asked what would be done to curb the road toll going forward. In response, Mr Whitby acknowledged the trend was an issue, but said it was not one localised in regional WA. “We have a disturbing trend . . . and it is not unique to Western Australia. It is something that we are seeing across the whole of the nation and, indeed, internationally,” he said. “We have had an incredibly good run in safety improvements to vehicles and a reduction in the number of fatalities since the 1970s and the introduction of new technology like seatbelts and other developments in the design of vehicles. “We are reaching a plateau, unfortunately, and we are seeing that evident in Western Australia as well, where that steady decline has stopped occurring. “It is a concern. It is something that this Government is responding to.” According to Mr Whitby, $1 billion has been allocated towards regional road safety since 2020, which included upgrades to about 9000km of regional roads. These upgrades included road widening, sealing of road shoulders, installation of rumble strips, and improved markings. According to the Regional Road Safety Program, more than 960km of road has been upgraded in the Mid West and Gascoyne region, including the recently completed Indian Ocean Drive upgrades between Leeman and Brand Highway. Mr Whitby said the treatments to roads helped save lives, but the State Government would continue to work to reduce the figure. “A report on the Regional Road Safety Program showed a 17 per cent reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured in crashes, including a 52 per cent reduction in fatal crashes,” he said. “Nine lives are estimated to be saved each year because of this Government’s commitment not just to road safety, but to regional road safety. “I think this is a very commendable effort by the Government, but we know that one fatality is one too many, so we are continuing to do our work right across Western Australia.” Mr Whitby said there were concerns about young men on regional roads, indicating statistics showed there was “an over-representation” of the demographic in single-vehicle accidents in the regions. He said the Government was focused on the issue, and he was committed to finding a solution. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party said it would reinstate the 80:20 funding model for nationally significant road projects across regional Australia if it won the May 3 election. Durack MHR Melissa Price said regional roads had been neglected under the Albanese Government. “While country roads across Durack — from the Kimberley to the Wheatbelt — have been deteriorating, the Albanese Labor Government has cut or delayed more than $30 billion in infrastructure projects and abolished key programs like the Bridges Renewal and Roads of Strategic Importance,” she said. “Around 600,000 people live outside Perth, and they deserve their fair share of infrastructure funding. That’s why we will restore the 80 per cent Commonwealth contribution from day one. “Whether it’s farmers, freight operators, or families driving hours to see loved ones, regional Australians deserve safer roads. In Durack, long drives are a part of life. “Reliable, well-maintained roads are essential for safety, food security and emergency responders. Without proper investment, we are leaving WA’s north exposed.” So far in 2025, 55 people have died on WA roads — 28 on regional roads and 27 in the metropolitan area. At the same point last year, 50 people had died across the State.