Local Government Road Safety Programs from Pilot to Sustainability – The experience of Fairfield City Council

In NSW the Local Government Road Safety Program is a memorandum of
agreement between the NSW State Government and Local Government to
deliver a partnered approach to road safety. It is designed to increase the
community reach and involvement of communities in road safety
countermeasures.
The Memorandum of Agreement between State and Local Government is a
ten year contract that sees funds allocated by the State Government
(approximately 7 million dollars per year) to fund the employment of Road
Safety Officers within local Councils. These positions are charged with the
delivery of behavioural and education programs aiming to address local
issues.
Currently in NSW there is a concern in relation to the financial sustainability of
Local Councils. The impending completion of the Local Government Road
Safety Program funding agreement has given cause for reflection in terms of
the efficacy of community based road safety countermeasures. This paper
outlines the incorporation of road safety behavioural programs into the
?business as usual? services at Fairfield City Council. It highlights the ability of
a Local Government Authority to recognise the benefits of community action
for road safety outcomes and to commit resources to ensure that this program
is not threatened by a removal of State Government sponsorship. In summary
this paper seeks to demonstrate or share how road safety programs have
been set up at Fairfield City Council so that the external funding does not act
as a pre-requisite for the continuation of behavioural road safety program
delivery.