Local government's roads and transport agenda for the next decade
15 June 2010
The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Geoff Lake, today launched local government's Local Roads and Transport Agenda for the next decade.
Cr Lake said, "Transport is one of the major areas of local government expenditure representing about 20 per cent - or more than $5 billion – of all money spent by councils."
Local councils are responsible for a wide variety of transport infrastructure including local roads, bridges, cycle paths, regional airports and wharves as well as community transport services such as community buses.
"Not many people realise it, but local councils are directly responsible for 80% of all roads in Australia. There is no point having some of the best highways in the world if the local road network that takes us from them to our homes, schools, farms and markets are not up to scratch.
"The National Local Roads and Transport Policy Agenda 2010-20 establishes a framework which local government can use to respond to federal and state government policies and other issues as they emerge.
"The Agenda addresses emerging issues such as road user charging, the likely growth of the Australian population and climate change priorities as well as long-standing local government concerns with road safety, the adequacy of road funding and support for public transport.
"Local Government looks forward to working with the Federal Government and building on the already strong relationship to deliver transport solutions to our local communities in the future."
The Agenda can be downloaded from the ALGA website http://www.alga.asn.au/policy/transport/
- Media contacts:
- ALGA President, Cr Geoff Lake: 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, ALGA Director Public Affairs, 0419 123 862
