STOP PLAYING POLITICS
THE death and destruction playing out on Tasmanian roads in 2022 is hitting record levels. Tasmania Police on Tuesday night confirmed two people died in a crash on Brinktop Rd, near Sorell.
Details of the double fatality are still being investigated by police but initial inquiries say two vehicles collided about 5pm.
The tragedy brings the number of people killed on Tasmanian roads this year to 26.
Compared to last year’s toll at the same time, it’s 16 more.
City of Clarence alderman Tony Mulder has hit out at the condition of Brinktop, Rd saying Tuesday night’s horror crash was the third recent accident there.
He blasted state and federal governments for ignoring arterial connecting roads while people die.
They are strong words but the former Tasmania Police commander is one with knowledge on the topic.
Mr Mulder extended sympathies to the family of the latest victims and his empathy to police who have had to do the worst job in policing – informing someone that their loved ones were not coming home.
That’s something police had to do just 24 hours before the double fatal when 16-year-old Bailey Seabourne died after the car he was travelling in with four other people crashed on Pardoe Rd, Devonport.
Bailey’s father spoke out on Tuesday about the loss.
A devastated Dwayne Seabourne said his son was a very sweet and loving boy.
“He was so gentle, he loved his brothers and sisters. They all looked up to him. You look at him and think he’s going to be rough, but he was the complete opposite. The whole family just loved him. He was a nanny’s boy. He was Nan’s man.”
The tragedy brings home the reality of road trauma on the families of ones lost and on emergency service crews.
But Mr Mulder is calling on state and federal politicians to stop blame shifting on road safety.
He says more money needs to be put into roads such as Brinktop.
“It's a council road shared between Clarence and Sorell, but local government does not have access to registration money nor fuel excise,” he said.
In short, the council can’t afford to upgrade it and needs state and federal help.
He says that hasn’t been forthcoming despite many calls on the issue. Even with the road servicing the marginal electorate of Lyons he hasn’t been able to get any interest in the plan. Maybe now with a federal election looming and two people dead that help may be forthcoming.