FAQs

The Road Safety Plan 2026-2030 is Council's strategic framework for improving road safety across the Cessnock Local Government Area. It identifies key road safety priorities, actions and partnerships aimed at reducing road trauma and creating safer roads for everyone.

Road crashes continue to have a significant impact on our community. The Plan provides a coordinated approach to address local road safety issues through education, advocacy, partnerships, engineering improvements and community engagement. Having a Road Safety Plan also enhances Council’s opportunities for grant funding.

The Plan aims to:

• Reduce deaths and serious injuries on local roads.
• Improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicle occupants.
• Support safer school travel.
• Promote responsible road user behaviour.
• Encourage active and sustainable transport options.
• Advocate for improvements on state and regional roads within the Cessnock LGA.

Key issues include:

• Speeding.
• Driver distraction.
• Drink and drug driving.
• Fatigue.
• Vulnerable road user safety.
• Motorcycle crashes.
• Learner and young driver safety.
• Safety around schools.

The Plan was informed by:

• Road crash data analysis.
• Census demographic data.
• State and national road safety strategies and policies.

The Plan supports the objectives of the NSW Road Safety Plan 2026, the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and the Safe System approach.

The Safe System approach is based on four principles:

• Safe People.
• Safe Roads.
• Safe Speeds.
• Safe Vehicles.

Together these elements help reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

Not necessarily. Any speed limit changes would require assessment and approval by Transport for NSW. Council may advocate for speed reviews where crash history, land use changes or community safety concerns justify consideration.

Specific infrastructure projects will be assessed, prioritised and funded through separate Council programs, grants and capital works processes.  Specific road and infrastructure projects are reflected in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan document.

No. Council manages local roads, while Transport for NSW manages state roads such as major highways and arterial roads. Council can advocate for improvements on state-managed roads.

Actions will be delivered through a combination of:

• Council resources.
• State and Federal grant opportunities.
• Partnerships with government agencies and community organisations.

Progress will be monitored through:

• Delivery of actions within the Plan.
• Road crash and casualty data.
• Community participation and engagement.
• Infrastructure and program outcomes.

Yes. Community feedback received during the public exhibition period will be reviewed and considered before the final Road Safety Plan is presented to Council for adoption.

Following the public exhibition period:

1. Feedback will be reviewed.
2. The Plan may be amended where appropriate.
3. A report will be presented to Council.
4. Council will consider adoption of the final Road Safety Plan 2026-2030.
5. Implementation of actions will commence following adoption.