Safer roads the goal with SUNS, AFLQ Palaszczuk Gov partnership

The Palaszczuk Government has teamed up with the Gold Coast SUNS and AFL Queensland to shine the spotlight on road safety.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said after 277 lives were lost on Queensland roads last year, the SUNS and lead body for Aussie Rules in Queensland would take a leadership role in the space, urging fans to be safe on the roads and help bring about social change when it comes to driving behaviour.

“We’ve got a record $26.9 billion being rolled out on Queensland roads and transport over the next four years, including $4.5 billion right here on the Gold Coast, but we need everyone to play their role in keeping our roads safe,” Mr Bailey said.

“Sadly, 22 lives were lost on Gold Coast roads in 2020 – 11 more than the year before.

"The AFL’s profile has never been higher in Queensland, after hosting the national competition and grand final in 2020.

"This partnership gives us the opportunity to engage with the SUNS’ fans and members, and raise road safety awareness across Queensland and northern New South Wales through the AFLQ Schools Cup.

“As we enter 2021, put safety first every time you get the wheel and avoid the fatal five: speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, fatigue and distraction.

“Together with our SUNS and AFL partnership, we’ll also be introducing this year random cameras that’ll catch you using your mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, and toughening our alcohol interlock program.

“If we all make a commitment to take action together, to talk to one another about being safe on the roads, and to keep making road safety a priority, our vision for zero lives lost can be a reality.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Officer Mark Evans said their focus would be on coaching the community about road safety.

"We know road trauma impacts the community at unprecedented levels, and we want to play a key role in addressing this within our community,” Mr Evans said.

"We are really excited about this partnership with TMR and AFLQ and the opportunities to raise road safety awareness and drive meaningful change among our members and fans.”

The SUNS will promote road safety messaging to fans, club members, corporate partners and the wider community via the club’s digital channels and at Metricon Stadium home games. The AFL season kicks off on 18 March with the SUNS’ first home game on 27 March.

Head of AFL Queensland Trish Squires said the 2021 AFLQ Schools Cup competition was set to be the biggest yet and was a great opportunity to coach the next generation on road safety.

“More than 12,000 students will participate in the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup, right across Queensland and northern New South Wales,” Ms Squires said.

“From Cairns to Byron Bay, more than 600 teams will take part in gala days in every region, culminating in a finals day on the Sunshine Coast in October.

“It’s great that in addition to providing school children the opportunity to play AFL, this year they’ll be learning about the importance of road safety thanks to this great partnership with TMR and the Gold Coast SUNS.”

Visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/ for more advice about staying safe on the road. 

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078