Regional Infrastructure Projects Update - February 2014

Works Program

The main objective of that meeting was to develop the new 14/15-17/18 works program therefore this is still to be done. All submitted projects have been crunched through the Roads & Transport Alliance Project Prioritisation Tool and it will be over to the Technical Committee to draft the program. Usually a four year program (two years fixed and two years indicative) is developed, however given the "newness" of the two Councils it could be that a one year fixed program may be considered to allow the councils to 'settle in'.

We received some good news from TMR in January advising there is $159,099 funding unallocated in the SafeST program for 2013/14. This was a result of 2013/14 SafeST projects being completed in 2012/13. This funding will need to be matched on a 50/50 basis by Councils. Most Councils have made submission for this and it will also be distributed by the Technical Committee.

The Roads & Transport Alliance has released the comparative expenditure figures to 31 December 2013 for RRTGs across the state – shown following.

Regional Roads & Transport Group	Revised Budget ($'000)	Forecast Expenditure at 30/06/14 ($'000)	Revised Budget v Forecast Expenditure	Actual Expenditure at 31/12/13 ($'000)	Percentage of Budget Spent
Brisbane Metro Alliance	1,374	1,041	76%	1,030	75%
Eastern Downs	1,494	1,334	89%	1,082	72%
Northern SEQ	1,469	1,539	105%	924	63%
North West Queensland	1,969	1,970	100%	1,156	59%
Wide Bay Burnett	3,216	3,296	102%	1,659	52%
Far North Queensland	2,507	2,902	116%	1,095	44%
Outback	1,508	1,283	85%	622	41%
Gladstone	1,094	964	88%	434	40%
Southern	746	473	63%	273	37%
Whitsunday	1336	1878	141%	384	29%
Southern Border	1155	1201	104%	235	20%
Bowen Basin	1,968	1,969	100%	336	17%
North Queensland	946	971	103%	134	14%
Rockhampton	1184	776	66%	96	8%
South West	1,846	2,171	118%	64	3%
Scenic Valleys	722	341	47%	4	1%
Western Downs	798	798	100%	0	0%
TOTAL	25,332	24,907	98%	9,528	38%

LRRS Network

Addition of the Etheridge's North Head Road – Agate Creek Road link to the LRRS network is another important item for the Technical Committee to consider when they next meet.

Royalties for the Region – Round 3

As you would all be aware, submission of Expressions of Interest for Round 3 of the Royalties for the Region Program close on 7 February 2014 for community infrastructure and roads projects. PLEASE NOTE - a letter of support from the RRTG is required with the EOI for any roads projects, please let us know if you have any road projects to submit so the FNQ RRTG can consider its support for the project and a letter can be arranged.

National Heavy Vehicle Law and Regulator

As previously advised, the National Heavy Vehicle Law will come into effect from 10 February 2014. From that date the Regulator will control and distribute heavy vehicle access applications to Councils for routes using Council-controlled roads for Councils to review and either approve (conditionally if required) or reject (with reasons).

LGAQ is looking to have a representative from the Regulator attend RRTG and Technical Committee meetings in the near future to answer questions and provide advice.

Fatigue Management

The RRTG discussed heavy vehicle operator fatigue management (which is unwieldy for Councils) at its last meeting. It was agreed FNQROC would provide support to the NWQROC regarding exemptions for Councils from the advanced fatigue management legislation. NWQROC has been progressing this for some time without a great deal of success.

An email was circulated by FNQROC Executive Officer Darlene Irvine on 18 December 2014 seeking information from Councils and in particular their obligations and requirements under the legislation – to date, there appears to be little concern from member Councils.

Road and Rail Crossing Interface Agreements

Councils are legally required, and have been since September 2012, to have a signed Road and Rail Crossing Interface Agreement in place with Queensland Rail where a Council road crosses QR's network. The Rail Regulator (within TMR) has been lenient to date, however it will start to pressure Councils and enforce this requirement. Councils are free to negotiate conditions of the agreement and are strongly encouraged to do so rather than just accept and sign. Non action will not be viewed favourably and the Rail Regulator does have the power to force Councils to sign.

Federal Government's Bridges to Renewal Program

There has been no news to date on details of the Federal Government's new "Bridges to Renewal" program which was announced in November at the ALGA National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Alice Springs. Once any procedural / policy / administrative information is known it will be forwarded.

Traffic Count Data for LRRS

Just a friendly reminder to all Councils – if you have any updated traffic count data on your LRRS network, please send it through.

QRA Attendance at FNQRRTG Meeting

QRA CEO Graeme Newton will be attending the next RRTG meeting on Monday 10 February 2014 in Innisfail.

Next Meeting Dates

• FNQRRTG - Monday 10 February 2014, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Innisfail commencing at 1.30pm following the FNQROC Board Meeting

• FNQRRTG TC – TO BE ADVISED