A national campaign aimed at ensuring long term Federal Government commitment to improved road funding was launched at the General Assembly. ALGA’s Roads Funding Taskforce Chairman, Councillor Peter Taylor paid tribute to both the Government and Opposition for their increased attention to the problem.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, John Anderson and Shadow Transport Minister, Martin Ferguson confirmed Coalition and Labor commitment to the funding boost. However, Councillor Taylor said, Councils would continue to press for an assured long term funding increase.
The aim of the campaign is to boost Federal funding for all classes of roads.
ALGA has joined forces with the Australian Automobile Association, Australian Trucking Association, the Institute of Engineering Australia, and the Australian Services Union to form the Better Roads Alliance.
“We will continue to maintain pressure through the campaign, backed by strong statistical data, to ensure we have the road network that meets the needs of all Australians,” Councillor Taylor said.
He said the Alliance is aiming for a 100 percent increase in funding over a 10 year period, with $500 million in the first year.
Targeting marginal seats in the next Federal election, he said this is the first ever national campaign to be undertaken by ALGA.