Local Government’s key forum for roads and transport issues – the National Local Roads and Transport Congress, will be held in Alice Springs on 9-11 July. Core issues for delegates will include the development of a national Local Government roads and transport strategy.
The need for a strategy was a key outcome of last year’s Roads Congress, held in Launceston. The strategy, now being developed by the Australian Local Government Association in conjunction with State Associations, will look beyond the second phase of the $1.2 billion Roads to Recovery program and canvass the need for a third phase of funding. Other important issues to be examined in the strategy include regional passenger transport, sustainable urban transport, congestion and pollution issues.
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President, Councillor Paul Bell, said the strategy would be an important document that will help shape Local Government lobbying efforts in the coming years.
“One key issue that we need to address over the next year is our approach to the future of the Roads to Recovery program,” Councillor Bell said. “While the current program runs until 2008-09, we need to think now about how we want Federal funding to continue.”
Councillor Bell said he was delighted that Alice Springs will host this year’s Congress.
“This popular Northern Territory venue has already attracted a high level of interest, and provides delegates with an ideal opportunity to both attend this national forum and to sample the unique Central Australian environment, for which the town of Alice Springs is renowned.”
The Congress will provide an opportunity to hear and question the nation’s key transport Ministers and Shadow Ministers as well as a range of transport experts and analysts. Concurrent sessions on local roads and transport issues reflect the respective priorities of individual Councils, and ensure the discussion and representation on both these important policy areas. It will further offer quality content for both elected representatives and professional staff.
To register go to www.alga.asn.au
For further information contact ALGA on (02) 6122 9436, or katie.whitehead@alga.asn.au or contact Elizabeth Medley of Conference Logisitics (02) 6281 6624 or elizabeth@conlog.com.au
