The Albanese Government has committed more than $22.2 million dollars to rural NSW roads under the 2026-27 Black Spot Program.

This significant investment in making our regions safer is part of $45.1 million to improve safety at 82 locations in New South Wales.

The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic lights, safety barriers, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings at locations where several serious crashes have occurred or are at risk of occurring.

Projects funded in this round include:

• Nearly $3 million to upgrade the intersection at Yamba Road and Palmers Channel Northbank Road, Palmers Channel
• $3 million to install a guardrail, non-skid pavement, line-marking and signposting on George Downes Drive between Wisemans Ferry Road and Walkers Ridge Road, Kulnura
• More than $1.3 million for road widening and improved delineation at crash locations on Rodeo Drive between Bowraville and Macksville
• More than $1.1 million for shoulder widening, installation of a rigid barrier, protected right turning south lane, flexible barriers, wide centre lines and other road safety treatments on Yass Valley Way between Bellevale and Wargeila roads, Yass

The projects were recommended by the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel. This panel is comprised of local stakeholders who are best placed to ensure nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

Funding for rural roads makes up 49% of total funding in the 2026-27 NSW Black Spot funding round and 51% of total funding across all Black Spot funding rounds nationwide since Labor formed government in 2022.

The Albanese Government has increased Black Spot Program funding from $110 million to $150 million annually for improving road safety across the country.

It is a key part of the government’s commitment under the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Anyone can nominate a Black Spot for consideration, including individuals, community groups and local councils.

To view the projects funded under the 2026-27 Black Spot Program, make a nomination or for further information on the program, visit: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/black-spot-program 

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

“These are targeted investments that will have a big impact for drives across regional NSW.

“Half of our Black Spot funding is being invested in the regions, where we know there have been safety concerns in the past.

“We’ve also worked hard to increase funding in the Black Spot Program, so that more councils across the country. It means councils have the investment they need to deliver important projects, just like these, in their own neighbourhoods.”

Quotes attributable Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain:

“As someone who lives in the regions, I know how important road safety is on rural roads.

“It’s fitting that we can announce this funding during Rural Road Safety Month, where we are asking everybody to keep safety front of mind whenever they're on our regional roads - for ourselves, our loved ones, and all other road users.

“The safety improvements at these Black Spot sites will help reduce the risk of serious crashes and increase the likelihood of people getting to their destination safely.

“The Black Spot Program delivers low-cost improvements that have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of serious crashes and fatalities on our roads.

“With our increased funding commitment to this long-running program, I encourage individuals, organisations and local governments to nominate sites in their local communities for consideration in the next funding round.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel Fiona Phillips:

“As Chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel, I am proud to announce these much-needed safety improvements across our state.

“These projects have been recommended by those who know our local roads best – members of the public, local councils and road user groups.

“These important works will make our roads safer for all road users.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“Every serious crash leaves a lasting impact on families and communities, so investing in proven safety infrastructure at known crash locations is essential.

“Local knowledge is critical to identifying where these investments can make the biggest difference, and the Black Spot Program ensures communities have a direct say in the road safety improvements they need.

“I thank the Albanese Labor Government for this important investment in rural NSW, building on the safety initiatives the Minns Labor Government is also rolling out across the state.”