A report by the NRMA has found the aftermath of road crash deaths and injuries has cost the Hilltops region's economy close to $200 million over the past five years.
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The motorists' association used the NSW government's estimate of $8.5 million in lost productivity for every fatality and $500,000 per serious injury to calculate losses for council areas based on their road crash statistics.
The Hilltops region's estimated cost was $191.2 million between 2014 and 2018.
The results have been adjusted to take into account the amalgamation, and equates to a road trauma cost of $64,269 per kilometre of road within the Hilltops local government area.
Hilltops roads were rated the third worst in the Riverina, with death and injuries from road trauma costing the Wagga community $244.3 million, and the Snow Valleys LGA $201.4 million.
Hilltops mayor Brian Ingram said the statistics are concerning.
"The figures presented are both disappointing and concerning. Quite simply, we need the financial support of the State and Federal Governments to ensure that our roads and bridges are safe for our community and visitors," mayor Brian Ingram
We need the financial support of the state and federal governments to ensure that our roads and bridges are safe.
- Hilltops mayor Brian Ingram
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the Riverina 's losses were "alarming".
"When someone loses their life, it's not just the immediate loss it's the loss of economic output and it's the same for a serious injury. There's healthcare and welfare as often people can't work" he said.
Mr Khoury said the Riverina stood out as a key area where increased roads funding from the state and federal governments would improve safety and stimulate jobs.
"Fixing regional roads will save lives and provide a much needed boost to regional economies," he said.
Riverina MP and federal Transport Minister Michael McCormack said road safety was a "constant priority" and "one death on our roads is too many".
"The federal government has invested $100 billion towards transport infrastructure to help increase safety and reduce the number of deaths on our roads," he said.
"Road safety will always be an ongoing challenge, but these measures will help to ensure residents across Australia, including those in the Riverina, get home sooner and safer."
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