National Level Crossing Safety Strategy released

The Australian Government has today released the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy 2023–2032.

The Strategy is more important than ever.  Level crossings remain the highest public safety risk on the rail network. Sadly, two rail workers lost their lives in December, 2023 following a fatal level crossing accident.

The strategy has been developed by the National Level Crossing Safety Committee, comprising representatives from federal, state and local governments, rail industry associations and regulators.

It represents an ongoing commitment to reducing fatalities and injuries at the more than 20,000 level crossings intersecting with roads and pathways across the nation.

The strategy sets out a clear vision for working towards zero harm on the level crossing network, including:

• Improving public education and enforcement
• Leveraging emerging technology and innovation
• Identifying early, low-cost and effective safety improvements
• Developing improved data and knowledge
• Increasing coordination and knowledge sharing by those responsible for safety.

To identify any further action that could be taken by governments, regulators, and industry, a rail level crossing safety roundtable, will be held in Brisbane on 6 March.

Rail workers including train drivers will be represented through their unions.

The Australian Government is already providing $180 million for the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, including $160 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27 to support lower-cost, high-priority railway crossing upgrades.

These upgrades include installing flashing lights, audible warning devices, boom barriers, enhanced signage, and pedestrian mazes upgrade to increase the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

To read the strategy and for more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/rail-safety/national-level-crossing-safety-strategy

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Every year, Australians are being killed or injured on our level crossing network, resulting in untold mental, physical and emotional trauma for all involved, as well as millions of dollars in damages.

“The Australian Government is committed to working towards zero harm at our rail crossings.

“The community and stakeholders have long advocated for improved investment, better safety measures, education, enforcement, and harnessing technology – and this strategy sets out a clear path to achieving those aims.

“I would like to thank the National Level Crossing Safety Committee for their collaborative, national approach, acknowledging that delivering a safer network for Australians is a shared responsibility.

“I am confident the vision set out in this 10-year strategy and the practical actions it will facilitate will help save lives across the next decade, and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to safety on our roads with this strategy enhancing safety at level crossings across the nation.

“Queensland's Director-General of Transport and Main Roads, Sally Stannard, will chair the National Level Crossing Safety Committee and I am pleased to present the three-year National Level Crossing Work Plan.

“The Work Plan details initiatives, actions, and timeframes which demonstrate what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to prioritise initiatives that save lives.

“The Queensland Government is committed to the shared responsibilities of road and rail safety, and through collaborative efforts with the Federal Government, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads and the National Level Crossing Safety Committee are setting new standards and driving real change for level crossing safety.

“We are all working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all road users at level crossings to move towards achieving the overarching goal of Vision Zero-Zero Harm at Australia’s level crossings."