Across NSW, we have 1,363 level crossings – that is, crossings shared by both trains and motorists – of which only 30% have active warning signs and lights. It’s a statistic that has cost lives, and one that nurse Maddie Bott wants to change.
For Maddie, a registered nurse based in Orange, the campaign for active level crossings is a personal one. In February 2021, Maddie’s fiance Ethan Hunter and his work colleague Mark Fenton were killed after their vehicle collided with a train at a level crossing in Bribaree.
“This railway lines view is obstructed with overgrown grass and a significant amount of trees,” Maddie said of the level crossing.
“If there were lights at the crossing, they both would be here today”.
As a result of this incident, Maddie has begin an online petition calling on the NSW government to ensure there are lights and active signage at all level crossings.
“I will never be able to bring Ethan back, but I can fight to make sure I do all I can to prevent anyone else going through the pain I feel”.
To date, the petition has garnered over 20,000 signatures.
You can support Maddie’s campaign by signing the official NSW government epetition here.