Fatalities Unavoidable At Level Crossings

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25th October 2010, 05:07pm - Views: 1083






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TRANSPORT WORKERS' UNION OF AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND BRANCH

ABN: 80 519 643 130

11 Alexandra Place

MURARRIE QLD 4172

Telephone: (07) 3890 3066

Toll Free:   1800 804 533

Fax:

(07) 3890 1105

Email:         info@twuqld.asn.au


All correspondence to:-

HUGHIE WILLIAMS

BRANCH SECRETARY

PO BOX 452

CANNON HILL

QLD 4170

TWU WORKING FOR ITS MEMBERS





MEDIA RELEASE

25-10-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



FATALITIES UNAVOIDABLE AT LEVEL CROSSINGS

Figures released by Queensland Rail detailing near misses at level crossings highlight the need

for urgent investment before lives are lost.


The latest figures reveal the State’s two worst level crossings, at Gracemere near Rockhampton

and Murarrie in Brisbane’s east had a combined 69 near misses from September 2009 to

August 2010. Near misses, as reported by train drivers, are often only seconds away from

becoming fatalities.


Local residents and those in the Transport Industry are at more risk than most, often finding

themselves in the firing line at poorly designed and congested level crossings. TWU State

Secretary Hughie Williams feels it’s time all levels of government got serious about the issue.


“None of what we’re seeing in this report is news, we’ve been experiencing near misses at level

crossings for many years but nothing’s been done. In fact as Queensland continues to grow the

numbers will likely increase.


“What we’re seeing now is a successive failure of governments at all levels to address the issue.

Level crossings adjacent to busy intersections create dangerous situations with fatal

consequences.


“Instead of buck passing from council to state government and back again, the TWU wants to

see a plan in place to address these trouble spots. Funding has to be found, a price can’t be put

on people’s lives.”


For further comment please contact Mr. Williams directly on 07 3890 3066 or 0413 744 436.








Authorised by Hughie Williams, TWU State Secretary, Queensland






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