LOCAL GOVERNMENT WELCOMES COMMITMENT TO TRANSPORT FUNDING
May 13, 2008
The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, said that he was pleased that the Federal Government had kept its election commitments on local road funding for 2008-09 and maintained its commitment to funding local roads at announced rates to 2014.
"I am pleased that the Federal Government has recognized the economic and social benefits of investment to meet the transport expectations of local communities" Cr Bell said.
Local government also welcomes the $75 million for a series of studies into urban congestion (to be matched by $57.5 million from the states).
Cr Bell said "Local government has been calling on the Federal Government for years to have greater involvement in urban transport issues. It is pleasing to see the Government taking this initiative."
The proposed grain transport taskforce is important recognition of the importance of the need to have an efficient transport chain for our grain industries. Local government has grave concerns that if closures of grain rail lines proceeds they will have severe impacts on the local road system and the safety and amenity of rural communities.
"The Building Australia Fund to be overseen by Infrastructure Australia promises a new era in Australia infrastructure investment" Cr Bell said. "Local government welcomes this initiative as a sensible investment of budget surpluses that will stand Australia in good stead in the long term."
Cr Bell said local government was pleased that the Government has recognized the impost on regional airports of security requirements by providing funding for security upgrades.
"Remote communities have not been forgotten and the funding of subsidies for flights to remote airports will be particularly helpful," Cr Bell said
ALGA's full Budget analysis will be available on the ALGA website tonight and over the next 24 hours: www.alga.asn.au/policy/finance/federalBudgetAnalysis2008/
- Contact
- Cr Paul Bell, ALGA President – 0418 791596
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Government Relations/Public Affairs - 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434
