You are here:HOME >POLICY >ROADS AND TRANSPORT > 2002 ROADS CONGRESS > Media release

National Local Roads Congress 2002

30 July 2002

Media release

Addressing over 450 delegates at the 3rd Annual Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Local Road Congress today, Cr Mike Montgomery, called for any proceeds from the sale of remaining share of Telstra to be invested in national infrastructure, particularly Australia's local road network.

"Local roads are vital threads in the social and economic fabric of both urban and rural communities," Cr Montgomery said.

"With 60 percent of the nation's road network still unsealed, long term funding commitments must be made now, if our infrastructure is to meet the needs of the 21st century.

"The $1.2 billion Roads to Recovery program is an important first step in addressing this challenge.

"However, the shock decision, in this year's Federal Budget to defer $100 million of the 2002- 3 funding commitments to 2004-5, has shaken our confidence in the Government's commitment to this task.

Cr Montgomery noted that the 450 delegates " we were disappointed by the inability of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport, John Anderson to attend the Congress to discuss this and other issues with them."

"In considering the Minister's Auslink vision, to develop, maintain and extend cross modal transport infrastructure, we note the current political climate suggests that the sale of the remaining share of Telstra is likely to occur.

"Local Government calls on the Federal government to ensure that a significant share of the sale proceeds are invested in transport infrastructure, particularly local roads.

"In preparing to meet the challenges presented by new integrated transport policy frameworks, Local Government needs to ensure that appropriate planning processes and asset management strategies, which reflect of community aspirations, are in place.

"The magnitude of the transport task is great and must be addressed now otherwise, in twenty year time, Australia roads, rail, airports and ports will be akin to that of third world country," Cr Montgomery.