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Local Councils are now able to use AusRAP Star Ratings for Black Spot funding nominations
In a significant development for local road safety, local councils can now use AusRAP (Australian Road Assessment Program) and ANRAM (Australian National Risk Assessment Model) results to nominate locations for Black Spot program funding thanks to recent clarifications from the Federal Office of Road Safety.
The Black Spot Program is a federal government funding program that provides grants to improve road safety at locations with a history of crashes or high crash risk. It helps councils and road authorities implement safety improvements like better lighting, signage, intersection upgrades, or barrier installation.
The Black Spot Program Guidelines, updated last year, now explicitly permit a range of assessment tools to support project nominations with or without road crashes occurring at particular locations. According to the new policy:
“Other assessment methodologies to identify proactive nominations include AusRAP or ANRAM assessments, or the Infrastructure Risk Rating. For projects on a local government road, a recent Network Risk Assessment (produced within the five years preceding the nomination) or Safety Prioritisation Plan, may be used as evidence to support the project nomination.”
Source: Black Spot Program Guidelines (PDF)
NTRO addresses the confusion: AusRAP results now stand alone
Previously, differing advice across states and territories left many Councils unsure whether AusRAP results alone were sufficient for making Black Spot funding nominations, or if additional processes such as Road Safety Audits or a Safe System Assessment were required.
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) sought clarification from the Federal Office of Road Safety on behalf of local government. Following NTRO’s approach, the Federal Office has confirmed in writing: 'AusRAP assessment results may be used independently to support proactive funding nominations' - no further Road Safety Audit or Safe System Assessment is required.
What this means for Councils:
- Proactive approach: Council can nominate Black Spot projects based on risk without having to wait for crashes, or deaths, to occur.
- Evidence-based improvements: Targeting locations backed by AusRAP data will make for stronger, more defensible funding applications.
- National consistency: If contrasting advice is received from State/Territory panels, Councils are encouraged to report it to NTRO as the Office of Road Safety advised NTRO they will ensure all state and territory panels are updated on the guidelines.
Next steps
This clarification empowers every Australian Council to take proactive, data-driven action to improve safety and to reduce the trauma impacting local communities on their roads.
Stay up to date on road safety funding opportunities and consult the Black Spot Program Guidelines for more details.
How NTRO can help
Please contact Emily McLean, Leader Safer Infrastructure, if you would like to find out more about AusRAP, or understand which model is best for your needs.
