What is the Local Government Safe System Project?

Local Governments are key stakeholders in road safety in Western Australia.  Local Governments manage 72% of the Western Australian road network, representing a total road length of 128,147 kilometers.  This network is where 43% of all travel and 61% of all serious crashes occur.  As designers and operators of this extensive road network, and as leaders and influencers in local communities, Local Governments are well placed to have a positive impact on road safety outcomes.

The Local Government Safe System Project has evolved from a shift in the approach to road safety at a state and local government level.  A review of the RoadWise program was undertaken in 2007, which recommended a realignment of WALGA’s role in road safety to reflect the move towards the Safe System approach at a state strategic level.  This approach has been adopted at a state level with the endorsement of Towards Zero, the road safety strategy for Western Australia 2008-2020.   

What is the Safe System approach?

The Safe System approach is a holistic view of road safety, and emphasises the need for a shared responsibility philosophy in the prevention of road crashes.  The systems approach means moving beyond the traditional role of constructing and maintaining roads, to look beyond standards and towards systematically planning and designing a sustainable safe road network for all road users. 

For more information on the Safe System approach and how Local Government’s can get involved, click here.

Project goal and objectives

The Local Government Safe System Project (LGSSP) commenced in April 2009.  The project is designed to support the implementation of Towards Zero in accordance with the WALGA Road Safety Action Plan 2011-2014. 

The goal of the project is to increase the uptake of Safe System principles by Local Government, in a shared responsibility approach, for the implementation of Towards Zero.

Project objectives include:

• Increase the awareness of the Towards Zero strategy within Local Governments.
• Increase the knowledge of the Safe System approach within Local Governments.
• Increase the adoption of the Safe System approach in to Local Government strategies, plans and policies.
• Increase the application of the Safe System approach in to Local Government practices and procedures.

LGSSP Advisory Group

A project advisory group has been established to provide advice on the strategic direction of the project.  Members of the advisory group include representatives from:

• WALGA
• Engineers Australia (WA Division)
• Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia (IPWEA, WA Division)
• Local Government
• Local Government Managers Association (LGMA WA)
• Main Roads WA
• Office of Road Safety 

Contact us

 Local Government Safe System Project team: