7 April 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Calls Grow Louder for Barton Highway Duplication as Safety and Economic Pressures Mount
Murrumbateman residents have been calling for the duplication of the Barton Highway for nearly 30 years.
With a crash rate double that of similar highways, community concern continues to grow as lives are lost
and serious injuries occur on this critical route.
“The recent reduction to 80km/h acknowledges the safety risks, but it’s not a long-term solution,” said
Stephanie Helm, President of the Murrumbateman Community Association. “In fact this new speed zone
risks increasing driver frustration and unsafe overtaking—two of the leading causes of crashes.
Duplication is the only real solution to ensure driver safety.”
Beyond safety concerns, the Barton Highway serves as a vital link for the movement of freight and for
connecting rural communities to employment hubs. For the Riverina electorate, access to international,
national, and regional markets is essential—and the Barton Highway plays a strategic trade role,
particularly via Canberra Airport.
“The highway is more than just a commuter road—it’s a lifeline for our region’s economy,” Stephanie
Helm said. “Duplication must be completed to keep our communities safe, connected, and ready for
future growth.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Stephanie Helm
President/Murrumbateman Community Association
