Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said that each year around 75 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 lose their lives on Victorian roads, about 60 of them men and tragically we’ve had more than our share in recent years.

“A new campaign was launched this week and designed to encourage young men to look after their mates and stay safe on the road, should help reduce the number of senseless deaths on local roads.”

“Premier Ted Baillieu joined forces with Essendon Footballer, Dustin Fletcher in launching the new campaign which will see Victoria’s under 18 Australian Rules completion, the TAC Cup, re-branded in its 21st year to Speed Hurts,” said Mr Delahunty.

“This is a great opportunity to re-enforce the message sent to young drivers about the importance of looking out for your mates and being safe on our roads.”

“To date 53 males have lost their lives on Victorian roads as opposed to 20 females.  This is an increase of six since the same time last year and it’s alarming to know that there has been an increase by 31 per cent of deaths on rural roads since 2011.”

“Families are being torn apart by losing their sons, brothers and mates in avoidable road fatalities caused by either speed, alcohol, drugs or stupidity on our roads and often it is a combination of more than one.”

“It’s time young men started to properly look out for themselves and their mates and help reduce the horrendous toll,” Mr Delahunty said.

New road safety advertisements are due to air this week featuring AFL commentary great, Denis Commetti.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Janet Dore, said speed remained one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads, with about 30 per cent of all fatal collisions having speed as a major contributing factor.

“Following the launch, the TAC, together with AFL Victoria, will run community events in each of the TAC Cup regions where clubs can celebrate their history, and players and parents can sign a mural showing their commitment to slowing down on the roads, Ms Dore said.

To view the TAC’s new road safety advertisements visit http://www.youtobe.com/TACvictoria

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is inviting the residents of the Lowan electorate to make a submission to the Victorian speed limit review.

“I am joining the Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder and invite western Victorians to make a submission to the Victorian speed limit review,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Many Lowan residents have expressed concern, confusion and frustration at roads with multiple speed limit changes for the likes of school zones, shopping strips and town centres,” Mr Delahunty said.

Transport Minister Mulder in calling for submissions to the review said it was important that speed limits were applied consistently across the state to ensure that they were easy for drivers to adhere to.

“Submissions are now open for Victorians to nominate roads where they believed the speed limits should be reviewed,” Mr Mulder said.

“Safety and mobility on our roads is paramount, and speed limits are set giving consideration to traffic and pedestrians.  However, should people from the Lowan electorate feel there are too many speed changes on a street, or believe they have a solution to make speed limits easier to understand I urge them to make a submission,” Mr Delahunty said.

People interested in making a submission may obtain a copy of the Terms of Reference from my electorate offices at 114 Firebrace Street, Horsham, telephone 5382 0097 or 44 Gray Street, Hamilton, telephone 5571 9800 or visit the VicRoads website at

Submissions are open from 30 August to 11 October 2011and can be sent to speedreview@roads.vic.gov.au or posted to Speed Limit Review, 60 Denmark Street, Kew, Vic, 3101.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is calling for quick action to slash high grass on district roadsides.

“I have had concerns raised by constituents about the safety hazards being posed by prolific grass growth on roadsides, particularly at intersections,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I share these concerns.  I travel a lot of these roads right around western Victoria, and I have been noticing it myself. The high grass can certainly cut off a line of vision at some corners,” Mr Delahunty said.

He said the other concern with the long grass was the possibility of roadside fires starting during the hot months ahead.

“With the great rainfall we have been receiving and a good spring upon us, the grass is going to continue to grow and to become more prolific.

“I am calling on the responsible authorities for our roads to act quickly to get on top of this problem now. Hopefully, the issue will be recognised by the State Government and the appropriate levels of funding provided to enable this work to be carried out,” Mr Delahunty said.