Future is 'Rosi' for Australia's Key Road Corridors
07 November 2018
Federal Government: The
Liberal and Nationals' Government's 10-year, $3.5 billion Roads of
Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative is set to deliver game-changing
works to drive productivity and efficiency gains across Australia's key
freight routes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and
Regional Development Michael McCormack moved the Australian Government's
initiative forward, when he publicly released the principles which will
be used to guide the identification of priority
road corridors.
Mr McCormack announced the ROSI program's objectives during his address
to the
WA Nationals State conference at Manjimup in Western Australia,
highlighting intended benefits such as support for economic growth and
improved connectivity, in key regional ndustries.
“The Roads of Strategic Importance initiative will deliver rolling
packages of upgrades, which will improve the standard of priority
corridors over a 10-year period,” Mr McCormack said.
“By targeting our investment on priority road corridors used by
agricultural,
mining and other industries, we will ensure upgrades delivered
through the
Roads of Strategic Importance initiative will provide more reliable
infrastructure to improve connections across the supply chain and access
to
ports,
airports and transport hubs.
“We have already allocated $400 million for the
Bass Highway and other
priorities in
Tasmania, $100 million to improve access from regional
New
South Wales to the
Australian Capital Territory via the
Barton Highway
and $220 million for the Bindoon Bypass in Western Australia.
“The Government will be looking for other strategic corridors so our
investments can support regional economic growth, support the expansion
of local industries including the visitor economy, while also improving
safety on these key roads.” The $3.5 billion ROSI initiative is an
important component of the Liberal and Nationals' Government's $75
billion infrastructure investment pipeline, announced in this year's
Federal Budget, resulting from sound economic management.
Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz said as part
of the Australian Government's commitment to developing northern
Australia, $1.5 billion has been earmarked for projects in the north.
“This investment of $1.5 billion for projects in the north acknowledges
the importance of this region to Australia's economy and building on the
benefits already being delivered through the Australian Government's
Northern Australia Roads Program and Northern Australia Beef Roads
Program,” Mr Buchholz said.
“I look forward to meeting with local organisations across the north in
coming weeks as part of a wide consultation process.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Broad said the
Roads of Strategic Importance initiative is about delivering products
more efficiently from paddock to plate throughout Australia.
“We are ensuring the products we produce can make it to the port and the
market in the most efficient and effective means possible,” Mr Broad
said.
“It's important that the allocation of funding is informed by an
evidence-based approach which identifies corridors of greatest need in
terms of existing deficiencies and freight demand patterns.
“At the same time were making sure that all Australians are safe on our
major freight routes and that they are getting home at the end of each
day.”
Funding under the package will be available over 10 years from 2018−19.
Once the Government has worked through the analysis and consultation
processes, key corridors will be identified and packages of works along
those corridors will then be determined in consultation with State,
Territory and Local Governments and other stakeholders.
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/key_projects/initiatives/roads_strategic_importance.aspx
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