Regional Infrastructure Projects Update - June 2016
By: Regional Infrastructure Projects Coordinator, Steven Cosatto...
Transport Infrastructure and Development Scheme (TIDS) Program.
The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2016-17 to 2019-20 was recently released by Minister Hinchliffe and Minister Bailey as part of the 2016 State Budget.
The State Government has committed an additional $30 million per annum to the TIDS from 2017-18 to 2019-20. This will maintain the ongoing base TIDS of $70 million per annum.
Whilst we are awaiting official correspondence from the Roads and Transport Alliance for the FNQ RRTG this should mean a continuation of our current funding level of ~$5.8 million until 2019-20. This will require a review of our current TIDS program for the 2017-18 to 2019-20 years, as previously we had budgeted for funding levels of ~$3.1 million per year.
An electronic copy of the QTRIP can be accessed from the web.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
Expanding of non-permit networks for high-performance vehicles:
The NHVR launched a new video, PBS: The Big Picture, , to further assist local government to continue to improve the efficiency and safety of the heavy vehicle industry. By working with the NHVR to expand non-permit networks for high-performance vehicles, councils are reducing the administrative burden for themselves and industry. PBS: The Big Picture can be viewed here.
For further information visit the NHVR website.
NHVR releases three-year Corporate Plan
The NHVR has released its three-year Corporate Plan for the three year period 2016–17 to 2018–19, which outlines a reform agenda for the heavy vehicle industry.
The Corporate plan can be viewed on the web.
For further information visit the NHVR website.
Proposed options to improve heavy vehicle charges
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a discussion paper outlining possible options to improve the current method of setting heavy vehicle charges with (to better balance heavy vehicle charges and government revenues).
The proposed options include:
- changing the methodology used to calculate the heavy vehicle cost base
- ring-fencing of revenue from heavy vehicle charges
- moving to independent price regulation.
The NTC intends to consult with stakeholders on the proposed options. It is planned that it will present its recommendations to Australia's transport ministers in November this year for their consideration.
A copy of the NTC's discussion paper is available here and submissions can be lodged before Wednesday, 27 July 2016.
Training update
Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) route assessment tool
We have received confirmation from the Roads and Transport Alliance that our funding application for assistance with a regional Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) route assessment tool workshop was successful. At this stage cost per council will be $750 plus catering, I will be forwarding advise to councils early next week.
Participants in the training will:
- Receive an overview of the current state of national heavy vehicle regulation;
- Learn about the opportunities to use ‘pre-approved’ routes as a means to minimise permit application volumes; and
- Be guided through a consistent route assessment process, focused on the road infrastructure assessment criterion that is most relevant to the local roads environment.