What are we asking for?
A strategic local roads investment program of $300 million per year for four years to address road transport first and last-mile issues and congestion on local roads.
Why is it important?
The movement of freight is one of the biggest transport challenges facing Australian cities and regions, impacting on both commuter and freight delivery times.
However, additional targeted investment is necessary to unlock our nation’s productivity by improving access for freight vehicles, and connectivity between local roads and preferred state and national freight routes.
Local roads – owned and managed by councils – are a critical part of our national transport network.
With increased demand including higher productivity heavy vehicles, many local roads are no longer fit-for-purpose.
Improving first and last-mile access would also mean safer roads for all users, reducing the risk of serious or deadly motor vehicle accidents.
How would it support our communities?
The Greendale Bridge is a key route for the dairy industry in the Bega Valley Shire, providing more direct access to the Princes Highway. The alternative route is longer and predominantly unsealed.
Through the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP), the Greendale Bridge was assessed by the Bega Valley Shire Council as safe to carry vehicles over 42.5 tonnes.
“This opens up future potential for larger A-double milk tankers or heavy plant machinery to use the bridge, potentially reducing the number of heavy vehicles across the entire road network, and therefore improving fuel efficiency and safety,” Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said.
“While it may take some time for these benefits to be realised, the program has enabled one of our key industries to look to the future and plan for increased productivity, safety and efficiency.”
