Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Liberals Focus On Safety For Young Country Drivers

After yet another frightening holiday period on Victorian roads, something must be done to address the problem of young drivers losing their lives on country roads.

By Phillip Davis - 20th April 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said every weekend and holiday period country Victorians hold their breath anticipating more news of young road trauma victims.

The Bracks Government has done nothing to address the problem of young drivers dying on country roads.

"It is clear that further education is needed for young drivers to improve their safety on our roads," Mr Davis said.

"Charlton’s driver education centre has had great success in educating young drivers about the rights, responsibilities and skills necessary to stay safe on our roads.

"Teenagers from schools both locally and across the state utilise this driver safety facility, and have reported considerable success in preventing road trauma.

"But despite this success, the Bracks Government has buried its head in the sand, refusing to provide funds to keep this centre operating."

Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would, in conjunction with the private sector, Transport Accident Commission, Victoria Police and the Department of Education and Training, invest $1.8 million over four years to establish a further six driver education centres across Victoria, based on an enhanced Charlton model.

"These centres will go a long way to educate young people to become responsible and safety-conscious drivers, giving them the appropriate skills to stay safe on our country roads," Mr Davis said.

The centres will be introduced in conjunction with a series of other safety measures targeted at young drivers, including:

· Increase current efforts to target young drivers with random breath tests at times they are most likely to be involved in alcohol-related accidents;

· Require a minimum of 120 hours practical driving experience for learner drivers and a Liberal Government will meet half the cost of three driving lessons for each learner driver;

• Subsidise half the cost of best practice driving courses for P-plate licence holders;
• Enable young drivers to visit medical centres to reinforce the potential consequences of road trauma; and,
• Develop basic car maintenance courses for learner drivers and include maintenance questions on the driver’s licence test.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
  Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
• Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
  Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.