More than 70 projects in Queensland to address road safety issues that contribute to car crashes will be funded by $511.5 million provided by the federal and state governments.

The projects include intersection upgrades, widening of lanes, line markings, rest area upgrades, heavy vehicle interception sites and safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

The lion’s share of funding, $434.2 million, has been earmarked for projects in regional and rural Queensland which will need to be completed by the end of June 2025.

Regional Development Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm said more than 1200 lives were lost on Australian roads in 2023, making it one of the deadliest years.

Nearly 280 fatalities were on Queensland roads.

“This joint funding will also support the fast roll out of lifesaving road safety treatments on rural and regional roads across Queensland, and to provide greater protection for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians in the state’s urban areas,” Senator Chisholm said.

In NSW, police have spent the past week targeting dangerous drivers across the state.

Officers conducted more than 22,000 random breath tests, which resulted in 87 people being charged.

More than 1100 roadside drug tests resulted in 91 positive results.

It was disappointing drivers continued to engage in dangerous behaviour on our roads, said Acting Superintendent Gregory Donaldson, Traffic and Highway Patrol South West Sector Commander.

“Those who drive while under the influence are not just putting their lives at risk but the lives of their fellow drivers,” he said.

“It is criminal behaviour, and it won’t be tolerated on NSW roads.”