The State Government is expected to rake in almost half a billion dollars this financial year from camera fines alone, but they can’t afford to keep the Gin Gin driver reviver site open.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett and Member for Callide Bryson Head said they’re disgusted with the decision to close 23 driver reviver sites across the state.
“It’s been revealed that it will cost less than $1 million to bring all the driver reviver sites up to code and avoid their closure,” said Mr Bennett. *
“This is a small price to pay to keep motorists safe.
“Queensland’s road toll is the highest it’s been in years.
“This cut is reckless, dangerous, and completely irresponsible.
In the last election the LNP committed $50 million towards new and upgraded driver reviver rest areas that would support 150 jobs, improve road safety, and boost drive tourism.
Member for Callide Bryson Head said the cuts to driver revivers is clearly a desperate move from a government that can’t rein in their wasteful spending.
“The popular Gin Gin site would cost approximately $400,000 to repair, according to TMR,” said Mr Head.
“Despite the site seeing more than 200 people a day during holidays, the Palaszczuk Government claim the cost is too great, putting budget blowouts in the Southeast ahead of road safety in regional Queensland.
“The State Government is reneging on their promise to keep Queenslander’s safe. They are all talk on road safety, but when it comes time to act, they fail. Once again, the bush gets left behind.
“We are calling on the Minister for Transport, Treasurer, and Premier to re-evaluate their decision to close our Driver Reviver sites as a matter of urgency.”
* Link to cost breakdown in QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2022/1456-2022.pdf
13/02/2023