In 2015/16, Canberra collected $2.4 billion from taxes on WA motorists yet only $1.1 billion was returned in federal funding for WA roads.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said while RAC has welcomed funding for a number of projects, the reality is that WA motorists are being short changed and it is a trend that has continued under successive Federal Governments.
“WA motorists are paying more than their fair share through taxes like fuel excise, yet the trend continues – there are questions to answer and the returns need to get better,” he said.
The new analysis has been delivered in the context of WA facing major transport and road safety challenges, the urgent need for increased investment in both city shaping and regional networks and the lack of an integrated State transport plan.
“The WA community needs more transport options,” Mr Golsby said.
“Perth is facing a congestion crisis and our regional road and transport networks require increased investment to keep communities connected and safe.”
By 2031, it is now forecast that seven of the 10 most congested roads nationally will be in Perth, including the top four. Parts of the rail network are also forecast to reach or exceed ‘crush capacity’ in the same year.
Congestion is also forecast to cost more than $16 billion a year in lost productivity in 2031 and there is also the direct impact it has on the community, taking time away from everyone’s daily lives.
“WA’s regional cities are also set to grow and they need support in the form of better transport options, increased investment to meet the road maintenance backlog and improved and safer roads,” Mr Golsby said.
“The State must also support the need for more funding by having a transport plan and ensuring projects are put forward that are ready to be funded and delivered.
“Governments need to address the infrastructure gap and the funding deficit currently facing WA.
“This includes their approach to transport funding and planning, addressing the chaotic approach to fuel excise indexation, tackling the need for a broader reform of the taxation on motorists and supporting the community by delivering better mobility options which make transport, safer, easier and more sustainable.”
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