Independent report backs need for more road funding from Canberra

Canberra must urgently increase road funding in light of an independent study showing the quality of more than half of Queensland’s national highways is unacceptable, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas said the findings of the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRap) report were an indictment on the Federal Government’s lack of road funding.

“This report looks only at the national highway system in Queensland, which the Federal Government is responsible for funding,” Mr Lucas said.

“The fact that so much of Queensland’s national highway network has been judged so poorly is evidence that Canberra is not doing its job.

“Queensland has the longest section of the federally funded network in Australia, covering more than 5200km.

“Every year the Federal Government takes more than $14.6 billion from Australian motorists in fuel tax. And $2.7 billion of that comes from Queenslanders.

“My message to Canberra is simple – it’s time to put more of that money back into our roads.

Mr Lucas said increased funding to the national highway system would make roads safer, reduce congestion and improve travel times.

“The Beattie Government is funding road upgrades at a record level. Canberra is not.”

“This financial year, Queensland will spend a record $3.98 billion on transport infrastructure, including $1.98 billion on building Queensland roads.

“That’s a boost to road spending by $727 million - 58% - in just one year.

“But Canberra is only putting $400 million back into Queensland roads. That’s a return to roads of only 17 cents in the dollar of the $2.7 billion Queensland motorists pay in fuel tax.

“No wonder the national highway system is in such a poor state.”

Mr Lucas said the Beattie Government’s investment in road projects around the state dwarfed Canberra’s funding contribution.

Mr Lucas said the State Government was delivering on major projects including the $1.9 billion Gateway Upgrade Project, extending the Centenary Highway and duplicating the Houghton Highway.

“We’re also funding the bulk of work on the Tugun Bypass and we’ve got a plan to upgrade the Pacific Motorway between Nerang and the border, which Canberra refuses to jointly fund.

“Queensland spends more than twice as much per person on roads than either NSW or Victoria.

“While NSW will spend $249 per person on roads in 2006-07, and Victoria $218 per person, Queensland will spend $495 per person on roads.

“On average each Queenslander will this year pay $732 in fuel tax to Canberra, yet we will receive only $140 each back for roads.

“Everyone agrees Canberra needs to provide a fair share of funding to Queensland roads.

“The RACQ, Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast City Council, Ipswich City Council, Logan City Council and other councils have joined the Beattie Government to call on Canberra to provide more funds to our national highways.”

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942