Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has hit out at the Minns Labor Government for its decision to lower the speed limit on the Mitchell Highway between Dubbo and Wellington from 110km/h to 100km/h without any consultation with the local community.
Transport for NSW has made the announcement, with the change due to take effect from Monday June 22.
Mr Saunders said focusing purely on speed is shortsighted, and what is needed is proper investment in the road.
“Road safety has been pointed to as the reason for this change, but this will be disappointing for the thousands of people who use this stretch of road every day,” Mr Saunders said.
“What people really want is proper investment to fix the condition of the road between Dubbo and Wellington, and more overtaking lanes,” he said.
“It’s the reason I focused so heavily on this project previously, and committed to building at least three overtaking lanes to improve the overall flow of traffic on this major highway. It’s what we did between Dubbo and Narromine, and it’s working very well.”
Mr Saunders said it is a band-aid solution that won’t fix things long term.
“This part of the Mitchell Highway is a crucial link for residents, workers, producers, businesses and tourists alike, and it’s disappointing the Minister for Roads has not fronted up to hear directly from those who rely on it most,” Mr Saunders said.
“Instead, Minister Aitchison has directed her department to secretly make this announcement online to avoid answering any questions, and without investing in what is actually needed long-term to prevent more injuries and deaths from occurring.”
“It’s simply not good enough and the Minns Government needs to revisit this decision and undertake the full consultation process to involve the local community and those who are being directly affected.”