Having been the local Federal Member for fourteen years, Andrew Southcott understands the importance of this announcement for the community of Blackwood.

“Over the years I have doorknocked, held listening posts and community forums in the area and have heard firsthand the issue of pedestrian and driver safety for local residents,” Dr Southcott said.

The $5 million will go towards implementing the recommendations put forward by the Road Management Plan (RMP) study undertaken in late 2006, which advocated for the upgrade of Main Road between the Blackwood and Belair, Shepherds Hill Road and the Blackwood roundabout.

Andrew Southcott has campaigned hard for this cause and welcomes the Coalition’s guarantee of funding for the project.

“This announcement means better traffic management for Blackwood,” Dr Southcott said.

“Implementing the RMP recommendations including the upgrade of Main Road and the roundabout would deliver safer roads to pedestrians and drivers,” he said.

“The Coalition and I are repeating our election commitment of 2007, a commitment which the Labor Party has failed to match,” he said.

“This project has been on the drawing board for a long time but has yet to be taken up by the Labor Government.”

“A Coalition Government would mean a win for Blackwood. It’s welcome news for our community.”