JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - FUN NEW CIRCUIT TEACHING INVERELL YOUTH ABOUT ROAD SAFETY

The NSW Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering improved safety outcomes for all road users by investing in a new road safety education circuit which is teaching budding young cyclists in Inverell all about road rules.

Built thanks to a $65,000 grant from the NSW Labor Government the circuit located in Lions Park Reserve gives children the chance to be active, socialise with new and old friends and learn about how to stay safe on the road in a fun, purpose-built educational environment that comes complete with a mini roundabout, line markings and road safety.

With Transport for NSW figures showing 685 children aged 10 and under were admitted to NSW hospitals due to crashes involving their bikes between 2019 and 2023, the circuit will add to efforts to reduce the number of young children suffering serious injuries.

The investment in the new circuit for children was supported by Inverell Shire Council and it’s part of the NSW Labor Government’s plan to build better communities across the state by delivering new infrastructure and supporting councils to improve their recreation facilities and roads.

Projects like the road safety education circuit are part of a $44.5 billion investment in the NSW Budget over the next four years for regional transport and roads including:

• $2.8 billion to improve road safety
• $3.3 billion to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged in natural disasters
• $224.5 million for grants to local councils for road maintenance

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Keeping kids safe on our roads is one of the most important things we can do as a community and I’m proud to be part of a government that’s investing in improving road safety for future generations.

“The new road safety education circuit in Inverell is a fun way to teach children about road rules and help make them safer cyclists and better drivers when they grow up.

“I was thrilled to visit Inverell for the opening of the circuit and I thank the council for working with Transport for NSW on such an important initiative.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose said:

“Cycling has always been popular in Inverell, as evidenced by its long and ongoing involvement in the gruelling annual Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic.

“I hope this new facility will encourage more young people into this healthy pastime and, importantly, that it will keep them safer.

“The school holidays have just started and I’d love to see kids come down and try the new circuit out.”

Inverell Mayor, Cr Paul Harmon said:

“This new facility will ensure our youngest citizens can develop their skills and build up their road safety awareness in a safe and fun environment.

“The completion of the park is exciting news for families who love to spend time outdoors.

“The construction of a learn to ride ‘traffic’ park was a recommendation of Council’s Public Open Space Strategy and is a great addition to the youth precinct.”