The Federal Government has included $3.2 billion in its 2018/19 Budget for critical road and rail projects that will help address the impacts of congestion and road trauma and allow WA motorists to move around the State safely and efficiently.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said RAC welcomed the $3.2 billion in Federal funding which now forms part of a $5.4 billion road and rail infrastructure package for projects across WA.
“This is a significant funding boost for key road and rail projects and demonstrates an understanding of the major road safety and congestion issues prevalent throughout Western Australia,” Mr Golsby said.
"Investment in key roads and bypasses — including the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, which RAC has consistently advocated for — will provide much needed safety improvements for our members and the WA community.
"Substantial investment in rail for Perth’s northern suburbs will also help alleviate congestion issues, although funding for a connection and station to serve the Morley strategic activity centre is still required.
“We welcome investment in projects to improve road safety in regional WA, however missing from the budget is funding for the completion of Albany Ring Road, which is urgently needed to address serious safety issues in the area.
"We will now work through the detail and engage with the State and Federal Governments to confirm timing of these commitments, to ensure there is certainty in relation to the delivery of each project, including when they will commence."
The infrastructure funding package comes after an RAC report last month revealed successive federal governments had returned an average of just 28c for every dollar of motoring taxation collected from WA drivers.
According to the Budget, Commonwealth revenue from fuel excise — a tax of 40c for every litre of fuel purchased by motorists — is forecast to rise further over coming years, yet funding for essential road programs in WA is set to decrease.
“We’re concerned that funding for road and rail projects, as well as initiatives like the Black Spot and Roads to Recovery programs, is forecast to drop off in future years,” Mr Golsby said.
“It’s important there is funding certainty into the future so RAC members and the WA community can be confident our State will receive its fair share and our serious road safety and congestion issues will continue to be addressed.”
Media Contact: Rhys Heron 0401 703 719
