A Sturt Highway Taskforce has been formed in response to the rising road toll on the Sturt Highway.

The initiation came from Murrumbidgee Council, with the first meeting held earlier this month. Hay Shire Council General Manager, David Webb and Mayor Carol Oataway attended, together with representatives from Wagga Wagga City Council, Balranald, Murrumbidgee Council, Leeton, Narrandera and Wentworth Shire Councils and Transport for NSW. 

“Two-thirds of fatalities are in regional areas and it’s necessary to keep roads open for economic development and trade,” Cr Oataway said in her monthly mayoral report.

“The aims of this task force are around safety and the preservation of economic development for communities along the Sturt Highway. 

“Transport for NSW presented a report outlining the recent improvements made to the Sturt Highway in an effort to reduce the toll. 

“These include audible line marking, widening the shoulders, inserting double centre lines and safety barriers. 

“Concerns were raised around the overall condition of the Sturt Highway and it was suggested that the maintenance plan needs to be revised as the condition of the road is getting worse. 

“The purpose of the task force is safety first whilst being economic development driven and it needs to encompass other major stakeholders such as health, education, businesses and community groups. 

“Murrumbidgee Council were appointed as chairs for a period of two years, aligned with the mayoral term. The next meeting will be held Balranald in July.”

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 24 April 2024.