Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has presented the petition on Level Crossing Safety to NSW Parliament, leading the debate in support of increased safety measures at railway level crossings across regional New South Wales.
Petitioner Madeleine Bott was present in the Legislative Assembly gallery for the debate, supported by her mother Frances and sisters Courtney and Shakaya.
A gathering was also held at Grenfell Bowling Club, with family, friends and local representatives from Transport for NSW, Weddin Shire Council, Cowra Shire Council, Hilltops Council, Lachlan Regional Transport Committee, NSW Farmers and Country Women’s Association of NSW also in attendance.
“Level crossing safety strikes a chord with every regional community and I am very proud of Maddie for the work she has done on this important issue,” Ms Cooke said.
“I also take this opportunity to thank the collective efforts and keen interest of a great many people who recognise there is always more we can do to improve level crossing safety.”
“This starts with Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole MP, his staff and Transport for NSW who have worked very closely with Maddie and myself for much of the year.”
Ms Cooke said Transport for NSW continues to work on measures to improve safety at level crossings, having recently launched new signage and reducing speed limits on approach to railway level crossings at various locations throughout the region.
“It is important to note safety also involves issues associated with the visibility of rolling stock, which falls under the responsibility of the Australian Government and is why Maddie and I look forward to meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce in coming weeks.” Ms Cooke also acknowledged her parliamentary colleagues from across the political divide for their contributions to the Level Crossing Safety e-petition. A full copy of the debate in the Legislative Assembly is available on Hansard
