Concerns Raised Over Missing Speed Advisory Signs Before Fatal Crash on Collie-Changerup Road – Boilup, WA – October 2025

Incident Overview
Concerns about missing advisory speed signs on a winding country road near Kojonup, in Western Australia’s south, were raised months before a fatal crash claimed the life of a local man.

The crash occurred in October 2025 on Collie-Changerup Road, near the rural locality of Boilup, when a Toyota LandCruiser veered off the shoulder, struck an 80 km/h warning sign, and collided with a tree. The 42-year-old driver died at the scene.

Former road safety assessor Richard Stallard, who previously worked with Main Roads WA, said he had warned authorities in March 2025 about a missing eastbound 80 km/h advisory sign on the same section of road. Despite his report, no replacement had been installed before the fatal crash.

“At some stage in history, someone has thought to put the sign up in one direction, and it just seems strange that it wasn’t symmetrical because there are multiple curves. I believe there should be a sign there.” — Richard Stallard, retired safety assessor

The crash occurred on a winding, undulating stretch where the posted speed limit is 110 km/h, but westbound motorists are advised to slow to 80 km/h. The absence of an eastbound advisory sign, Mr Stallard said, created a potential hazard for unfamiliar drivers.

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
• Location: Collie-Changerup Road, Boilup, near Kojonup, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

• Toyota LandCruiser — driven by a 42-year-old man who died after veering off the road and colliding with a tree.

Injuries/Fatalities

• Fatality:
  • 42-year-old male driver — sustained fatal injuries after crashing through an advisory sign and hitting a tree.

Emergency Response

• WA Police, ambulance, and Major Crash investigators attended the scene following the single-vehicle rollover and impact.
• The area was cordoned off while evidence, including skid marks and impact debris, was analysed.
• Flowers and tributes were later placed at the site, marking the loss of the local driver.

Police Investigation
The WA Police Major Crash Investigation Unit is examining the cause of the crash and will present its findings to the State Coroner.

Investigators have not confirmed whether speed, fatigue, or road conditions played a role, but the impact destroyed the westbound advisory sign — the only one marking the hazardous bend.

“The Shire of Kojonup is responsible for managing the Collie-Changerup Road, including the reinstatement of curve speed advisory signage and any proposed improvement actions as a result of the recent fatal crash.” — Main Roads WA spokesperson

The Shire of Kojonup’s CEO, Grant Thompson, confirmed plans to replace both eastbound and westbound advisory signs, stating that installation would occur as soon as new signage was delivered.

Community Concerns
Retired road assessor Richard Stallard said he had notified Main Roads via email on March 27, 2025, warning of missing safety signage. He said he followed up after the fatal crash and discovered no action had been taken.

“It hasn’t been replaced; there’s no 80 km/h warning sign in the eastbound direction.” — Richard Stallard

He also called for greater consistency in signage standards across regional jurisdictions, arguing that road safety standards should not vary between shires.

“Main Roads should take a greater role and there should be consistency for all roads, so you shouldn’t expect to see different standards of signage when you cross from one shire into another.” — Richard Stallard

The Shire of Kojonup confirmed that replacement signs are now being ordered for both directions of travel.

Expert Commentary
Professor Teresa Senserrick, Director of the UWA Centre for Road Safety Research, said advisory signs — while not legally binding — exist for critical safety reasons.

“The yellow and black advisory signs are suggestions of the safest top speed for a bend, based on road geometry, crash history, and local conditions. They might not always look intuitive, but they are there for a reason.” — Professor Teresa Senserrick

She emphasised that while the white regulatory speed signs are enforceable, ignoring yellow advisory signs on rural roads can lead to severe crashes, particularly where bends, gradients, and inconsistent signage are present.

Community Impact
The death of the local 42-year-old driver has shocked the tight-knit Kojonup and Boilup communities, prompting renewed debate about regional road safety oversight and infrastructure maintenance.

Local residents and motorists travelling between Moodiarrup and Kojonup have long described the section as hazardous, citing narrow shoulders, inconsistent speed signage, and poor visibility on bends.

Floral tributes now mark the site where the LandCruiser came to rest, underscoring the human toll of preventable road infrastructure oversights.

Appeal for Action

• Main Roads WA: Confirmed that Collie-Changerup Road falls under local jurisdiction.
• Shire of Kojonup: Committed to reinstating both eastbound and westbound advisory speed signs “as soon as new signage is delivered.”
• Major Crash Investigation Unit: Continuing inquiries; report to be provided to the Coroner.