Data and asset management
Roads are by far local government's biggest asset. Local roads comprise 85% by length of Australia's total road network and have an estimated value of about $75bn.
It is thus vital that local government maintain, and where appropriate upgrade, the local road system to the best extent possible given its very scarce resources.
ALGA's transport policy focus in recent years has been on establishing the gap between the funding that can be allocated by Councils from existing sources to that required to maintain existing levels of service - and then ensuring that local government can obtain the funds to address these needs.
Key work started in 1999 with two reports commissioned by ALGA to help define concepts and strategy for developing a strong case for continued and increased Commonwealth funding for local roads. They are the Butcher report and Burns report, both of which focus on a strategic approach to making the funding case.
This led to a strong campaign by ALGA and its member associations, for federal assistance for local road maintanance and upgrading - which led to the Roads to Recovery program in 2001.
Most councils have road use and condition data and asset management plans to help determine maintenance and new works programs. Accordingly, there are numerous data and asset management initiatives being undertaken by ALGA, state and territory associations and professional and transport organisations, to trial new technologies and systems to optimise roadworks programs.
Three programs of particular interest are:
