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
NEWS 
