Perth Voice Interactive

THE big elephant at WA’s parliament this week wasn’t in the room — it was on the front steps.

MPs were confused when a giant multi-coloured Jumbo unexpectedly materialised.

The half-tonne, three-metre high “guerilla art” is designed to raise awareness about road safety in the Wheatbelt.

“He’s a life-sized African elephant sculpture made out of wrecked cars and he’s been touring the Wheatbelt all year to generate discussion and raise awareness about the impact of road trauma in the region,” says RAC Manager Will Golsby.

“The Wheatbelt has the highest road fatality rate of any region in the state.

“Last year, a loved one was killed on Wheatbelt roads every fortnight, and someone was admitted to hospital with serious injuries every two days on average.

“In 2014, the Wheatbelt road fatality rate was 11 times the Perth metropolitan rate, six times the state rate and twice nearby regions.

“Two thirds of the road deaths are Wheatbelt locals, and alarmingly, one third of Wheatbelt road deaths included someone not wearing a seatbelt.”

Mt Lawley MP Michael Sutherland says “Big Jumbo” is an innovative way to raise awareness about road deaths.

“A very interesting addition to the parliament house forecourt,” the speaker said.

“It certainly grabs the imagination and helps drive the road safety message home especially in the country areas where the road toll is higher than the metro area.”

Since the campaign launched in March, the elephant has made 34 public appearances across the Wheatbelt and will be finishing off his 2015 tour at the Murray Street Mall in Perth on October 28.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK