Please note: Embargoed until midnight 25 July 2014.
Ongoing efforts to improve safety in and around roadworks have been highlighted with an award to two Tasmanian construction companies.
This year's Safety at Roadworks Award in the Civil Contractors' Federations' Earth Awards is shared by Hazell Bros Pty Ltd and Andrew Walter Constructions Pty Ltd.
The award, which I had the honour of presenting in Hobart, recognises the strong commitment shown by these companies to the safety of road workers and road users.
While roadworks are critical if we are to improve the safety and efficiency of our transport network, the work itself can create frustration on the part of road users, and, at times, it can be dangerous.
That's why the Liberal Government is committed to working with the Civil Contractors' Federation, individual contractors and the RACT on developing a new approach to traffic management at roadworks sites.
Initiatives that we are working on will include improving training arrangements and clear traffic management guidelines for all contractors.
Site audits will also be undertaken to provide constructive feedback to contractors and establish industry best practice.
And the Government, together with the Civil Contractors' Federation and the RACT, will be working to educate road users on what the road rules are when driving through a roadworks site and, importantly, why these rules are in place.
This approach will help make works sites safer for all, and ensure all contractors work to consistent guidelines that drivers understand.