❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding cuts to local road funding, specifically the MRRG program, and the impact on inner-city local authorities. The Minister acknowledges funding reductions but highlights overall balanced funding considering Commonwealth contributions and flexibility for local governments.
AnsweredQoN 1722Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) is the Minister aware that the cut in State funds under this program represents a reduction of 20%; (c) is the Minister aware that the specific Local Road Project Grants (MRRG Program) was cut by 25%; (d) does the Minister acknowledge the special needs of inner city local authorities whose road rehabilitation programs become all the more urgent because those roads are used by all southern and eastern suburban motorists going to and from Perth City; (e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(c) is the Minister aware that the specific Local Road Project Grants (MRRG Program) was cut by 25%; (d) does the Minister acknowledge the special needs of inner city local authorities whose road rehabilitation programs become all the more urgent because those roads are used by all southern and eastern suburban motorists going to and from Perth City; (e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(d) does the Minister acknowledge the special needs of inner city local authorities whose road rehabilitation programs become all the more urgent because those roads are used by all southern and eastern suburban motorists going to and from Perth City; (e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(f) if not, why not?
State Roads are managed by Main Roads WA and comprise the major arterial routes such as freeways, highways and main roads. These arterial routes provide connectivity and access for inter regional and inter district transport and commuting such as between outer suburbs and commercial areas including Perth City. Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement. At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement. At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
(c) is the Minister aware that the specific Local Road Project Grants (MRRG Program) was cut by 25%; (d) does the Minister acknowledge the special needs of inner city local authorities whose road rehabilitation programs become all the more urgent because those roads are used by all southern and eastern suburban motorists going to and from Perth City; (e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(d) does the Minister acknowledge the special needs of inner city local authorities whose road rehabilitation programs become all the more urgent because those roads are used by all southern and eastern suburban motorists going to and from Perth City; (e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(e) is the Government prepared to consider re-instating these cuts, or increasing them proportionately next year to make good the reductions; and (f) if not, why not?
(f) if not, why not?
State Roads are managed by Main Roads WA and comprise the major arterial routes such as freeways, highways and main roads. These arterial routes provide connectivity and access for inter regional and inter district transport and commuting such as between outer suburbs and commercial areas including Perth City. Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement. At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement. At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed. Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions. During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available. Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria. In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network. The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads. Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs. The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 September 2003
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
76 days
(a) – (f) As the Member would be aware, the road network in Western Australia is essentially composed of two parts – State Roads and Local Roads.
State Roads are managed by Main Roads WA and comprise the major arterial routes such as freeways, highways and main roads. These arterial routes provide connectivity and access for inter regional and inter district transport and commuting such as between outer suburbs and commercial areas including Perth City.
Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement.
At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed.
Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions.
During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available.
Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria.
In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network.
The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads.
Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs.
The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
State Roads are managed by Main Roads WA and comprise the major arterial routes such as freeways, highways and main roads. These arterial routes provide connectivity and access for inter regional and inter district transport and commuting such as between outer suburbs and commercial areas including Perth City.
Local Roads are under the care and management of the respective Council. However, the State Government provides significant funding to assist Local Government in the expansion and maintaining of roads under their control. This funding is largely provided through the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement.
At the time the original State Funds to Local Government Agreement was put in place in 1995, a funding formula was agreed to which took into account the arterial nature of some Local Government roads. This formula has not changed.
Since coming to Government in February 2001, we have honoured the commitments established previously under the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement and in fact, in some cases, the minimum requirements have been well exceeded. This has only been possible by affording these arrangements special treatment and isolating them from the process that has seen most other areas, particularly in the programs for State roads, experience substantial reductions.
During the 2002/03 State Budget process it became evident that this situation could no longer be continued and that for 2003/04 and beyond it would be necessary to share the reductions across the road networks. However, this is being done in a way that has least effect on the sub program structure put in place when the agreement was established. The intention being to accommodate any reductions whilst providing Local Governments with the maximum flexibility in regard to expenditure of the funds available.
Funding levels for sub programs such as Direct Grants are being maintained at previous levels to provide this flexibility. The calculations for these grants are based on the Asset Preservation Model for the local roads infrastructure and Local Governments are free to apply the funds received to preserve, improve and expand their road networks as they see fit. Likewise, the funding levels for Traffic Management and Road Safety, Bridges, Access Roads to Remote Communities and special purpose local roads are also being maintained in accordance with the established criteria.
In addition, the funding provided for the State Black Spot Program has been maintained in accordance with our election commitments, with the total available for the next few years being set at $15 million per annum, which in turn means extra funds being available for the eradication of black spots on the local road network.
The Government is mindful of the fact that any reduction in funding will be disappointing to Local Governments, but it should be noted that the over all Local Government roads funding scenario was taken in to consideration in the decision making process. Since the State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement was established, the assistance provided by the Commonwealth for local government roads has increased significantly. The general Financial Assistance Grants have continued to grow and the new initiative, Roads To Recovery Program, has seen a significant increase in the funding available to Local Governments for roads.
Given these factors, together with the ever increasing demands on the State’s financial resources, the Government believes that it is still providing a balanced level of funding for roads and consequently for the local road network. Whilst there are never sufficient funds to address all needs, an appropriate level of funding for roads is being provided to Local Government to enable the adequate servicing of the local road network, as well as providing for a substantial level of improvement and expansion projects to meet emerging needs.
The Government is striving to maximise the benefit to the community from every dollar spent and to this end Main Roads is continuing to work with representatives from the Western Australian Local Government Association to examine ways to better allocate the funds available to the local government road network.
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