Ethan Griffiths’ family is lobbying for change. Photo: Facebook.
The NSW Government has refused to commit to installing a boom gate at the Twigg Road railway crossing in Yenda where a 21-year-old was killed last month.
But the man’s family has taken matters into its own hands, launching a petition to improve safety at similar junctions across rural NSW with the aim of reaching 10,oo0 signatures to have the matter debated in NSW Parliament.
On 2 September 2024, Ethan Griffiths was struck by a freight train when riding his motorbike and flung 40 metres. There was no boom gate or traffic lights at the crossing, just a stop sign.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison would not commit to improving safety features at the crossing, but expressed sympathy towards the family and said her government was committed to reducing fatalities on roads.
Aaron Little, partner of Ethan’s mother Jaime, said he couldn’t understand why the Twigg Road junction hadn’t been upgraded.
“The rail crossing where Ethan was killed was just across the road from Casellas, one of the biggest wineries in Australia. Hundreds of freight trucks go in and out of that winery and across that crossing every day. Why there hasn’t been improved safety at that crossing is beyond me,” he said.
“Our petition is for an improved level of hazard awareness. Lights, bells and a boom gate at that crossing would be the ideal outcome.”
The family wants boom gates at rail crossings. Photo: Facebook.
Mr Little wants to see changes across the state.
“We particularly want rural crossings improved. In the big cities, there are bells, lights and sirens, you name it, they’ve got it. But in rural areas, we’re forgotten. That’s been a large number of deaths on rural rail crossings due to lack of safety and visibility.”
Ms Aitchison said the Twigg Road crossing had been upgraded to enhance safety in 2021, that it had no defects and sighting distance at the crossing was in line with Australian standards.
She said the upgrading of railway crossings was decided through a priority ranking system and based on safety incident data.
Three Riverina crossings are earmarked for upgrades before 2026/27: Goldfields Way at Old Junee, Blumer Avenue at Griffith and Irrigation Way at Widgelli.
“Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. The Member for Murray [Helen Dalton] has reached out to me in relation to the fatality in Yenda and like her, I send my sincere condolences to those affected by this recent tragedy,” Ms Aitchison said.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the number of fatalities on our roads, particularly on level crossings.
“To achieve this, Transport for NSW has developed three policy positions: avoiding building new level crossings wherever possible; closing level crossings wherever it is practical and cost effective; and limiting the speed limit on approach to actively controlled level crossings to a maximum of 80 km/h.”
Mr Little has vowed to keep the pressure on government.
“We are trying to raise awareness. We have joined a campaign led by Lara Jensen which is focussed on road safety. Country music singer Lee Kernaghan is an advocate for the group and we are raising awareness of this issue across the country,” he said.
Jaime Griffiths is fighting for change after her son Ethan’s death. Photo: Supplied.
If his petition receives 10,000 signatures, the NSW Parliament will be forced to debate it and the event broadcast online. Under parliament rules, all signatures must be on a physical paper petition.
“The group we joined has been campaigning for improved safety for 30 years. But it doesn’t get the traction it should, where there have been a number of fatalities. As soon as it leaves the media, it gets forgotten and the bureaucrats move on to something else. We want to keep it in the spotlight until there is change,” Mr Little said.
He said the family has had a challenging past six weeks.
“Jaime has been up and down as you’d expect, she’s not coping particularly well.
“Our daughter Amelia is also struggling a lot. She’s just 11, losing her big brother has been so hard.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe page to help with funeral and medical expenses and to continue its safety campaign.
The petition is available to sign at various businesses and shopfronts across Griffith, including Cater and Blumer, the Office of Helen Dalton MP, Apra Curry House, Griffith Wellness Centre, Black Line Swim School and Shannon Dance Studio.
More information can be found on the Ethan Griffiths Community Action Facebook page.
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