The Australian government launched a national advertising campaign last week as part of its commitment to improving safety around regional railway crossings.

The campaign reminds drivers of the risks around regional railway crossings and raises awareness of the importance of being cautious, emphasising the message to Slow down. Look. Listen for trains.

It forms part of the $180.1 million Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, to improve safety around railway crossings in regional areas, which includes $160 million to support lower-cost, high-priority railway crossing upgrades, and $4.7 million for two grants rounds to support research and trials of low-cost, innovative level crossing safety technology and improvements.

It also supports collaboration between governments, industry, and the public to improve safety around railway crossings through -
  • The Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund - providing investment in lower-cost safety protections.
  • Research and Innovation grants - providing funding for research and trials to test and promote the adoption of low cost, innovative safety solutions for railway crossings.
  • The Data Improvement grant - providing funding for improvements to data and risk assessments of railway crossings.
Rail safety is like road safety: it is everyone’s responsibility to play their part to ensure we all stay safe.

“Our rail industry is a crucial part of the Australian economy, and it intersects with our road network, meaning drivers need to be aware and attentive.

“This national advertising campaign will complement the government’s commitment to a National Road Safety Awareness campaign and our goal of Vision Zero - zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

- Carol Brown, Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
The campaign also builds on the Government’s commitment to the goal of zero harm at level crossings and complements other important initiatives such as the implementation of a train illumination Code of Practice and the independent review of the Rail Safety National Law.

This work aligns with the objectives of the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy 2023–32, a collaborative initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.

The campaign will appear on regional TV, radio, outdoor advertising such as billboards, digital audio including podcast and music streaming platforms, First Nations publications and social platforms, and will run until 30 June.