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Budget submission focuses on mobility and community safety for RAC members

06 January 2008

WA's leading member organisation the RAC has urged the State Government to tackle the issues of mobility and community safety in the forthcoming State Budget.

The RAC's Executive Manager of Member Advocacy David Moir said the RAC's budget submission to Treasurer Eric Ripper echoed the concerns of its members and reflected the changing nature of the RAC as an organisation.

"Improving road safety in WA is still a major part of the submission. Last year's WA road toll was the worst since 1996 and the RAC wants additional investment from the State Government to address this," said Mr Moir.

"A significant investment is also required to improve and replace old highway links which have a 2 star AusRAP* rating - these are the most dangerous and unforgiving sections of highway in WA."

But Mr Moir said that while the RAC's submission remained focussed on creating better, safer and fairer driving conditions for motorists, it would also address other member concerns.

"The swelling population in Perth is putting increasing pressure on our road infrastructure and we need a more accessible and integrated public transport system to help ease this pressure.

"While the long-awaited opening of the new Mandurah rail line is a major boost for people who live south of Perth there are still numerous barriers to people using public transport in other areas and this should be a priority for the Government," said Mr Moir.

"We want to make sure that people who live in Western Australia can get around whether it be by car, bicycle, walking or by public transport so our submission incorporates a more integrated approach.

The RAC has also asked for an increase in funding to the successful Burglar Beware program to help tackle burglary in the State.

"In recent years WA has had one of the worst burglary rates in Australia and this rate is not showing signs of improvement," said Mr Moir.

"There are areas of WA that have much worse rates of burglary than others and the State Government should increase funding and introduce initiatives to combat burglary and help keep these communities safe.

"The pilot Burglar Beware program run in Bentley resulted in a 45 per cent decrease in burglary between October 2003 and 2004 against a 26 per cent decrease nationally."

Community safety, car theft and motorist taxes and charges were also part of the RAC's submission.