The Australian Government will provide $228,000 next financial year to construct an overtaking area on a two kilometre section of the Diamantina Development Road to make the road safer, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today. The area of road that will be upgraded with the Australian Government funding is approximately 76 kilometres from Dajarra. “This road safety improvement project was nominated by Boulia Shire Council and will be funded as part of the AusLink Black Spot Programme,” Senator Boswell said “An overtaking opportunity will be welcomed by all who use this stretch of road.” Senator Boswell acknowledged the co-operation between the Australian, State and local governments, in partnership with local communities, to reduce the national road toll. “Widespread consultation has helped ensure local concerns are addressed, with a community consultation process used to review road safety proposals,” he said. The Queensland panel, which reviews priorities for the Black Spot Programme, includes representatives of the RACQ, Queensland Trucking Association, Queensland Police and state and local government. The Black Spot programme, now in its twelfth year, continues to ensure work is carried out at some of the high casualty accident areas across the nation. “Since 1996, the Australian Coalition Government has allocated more than $97.6 million to eliminate over 750 dangerous crash locations around Queensland.” Senator Boswell said the Australian Government, in recognition of the success of the Black Spot programme, had extended the programme until 2014. Further information about the Black Spot programme can be obtained on the Internet at www.auslink.gov.au or by phoning 02 6274 7111. Ends   More information – Office of Senator Ron Boswell – 3001 8150