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NEWS
Looking ahead at Australian infrastructure
Isuzu Australia's Phil Taylor gives his thoughts on what we can expect in Australia's transport futureRecently released studies of Australian traffic conditions point to the fact that the crowding on our roads is getting worse. Global navigation and mapping giant TomTom’s 2016 Traffic Index showed Melbourne’s congestion rivaling New York City, and Sydney’s traffic being comparable to gridlocked metropolises such as London, Rome and Los Angeles.
Australia’s population is swelling and, with most of that growth centring around the nation’s capital cities, it’s placing significant strain on our ageing road infrastructure.
The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development projects that congestion on metropolitan roads will cost the Australian economy $30 billion by 2030.
As governments work to address the infrastructure shortfall, an evidence-based framework – coupled with a well-reasoned and articulated strategy that targets vital projects – will help to ensure the future of Australia’s road network is in the best possible shape.
“When politicians talk about road infrastructure, the conversation needs to be framed around projects that will create the most significant benefits to the economy at large,” Phil Taylor, said.
As legislative bodies consider the next-generation of road infrastructure, Mr Taylor would like to see government officials diligently consider the economic merits of projects in concert with the social benefits they create.
“The next round of major infrastructure works will be the first to broadly feature contemporary IoT [Internet of Things] technology that will help modernise Australia’s road network,” Mr Taylor said.
“The benefits these ‘Smart Roads’ can have in reducing congestion can be seen globally in places like Singapore, but we’re going to need to pay for the privilege of having this technology built into our roads – and it’s not going to be cheap.”
Mr Taylor said carefully evaluating projects, while considering the interests of the average commuter and of the transport and logistics sector that helps drive the national economy, will result in better designed infrastructure projects.
“Public policy consultancy ACIL Allen predicts that a 1 per cent improvement in the efficiency of the transport and logistics sector generates total gains of $2 billion to the economy each year,” Mr Taylor said.
Transport corridors that allow goods to move efficiently between hubs, and road infrastructure that is planned with consideration for the importance of heavy vehicle traffic, will help ensure the Australia of tomorrow is prosperous and livable.
“If the transport industry is the lifeblood of Australia’s economy, the nation’s road infrastructure network forms the arteries – ensuring everything is getting where it’s needed.”
Mr Taylor believes having the correct links in place to ensure the movement of people, as well as goods and services, throughout the country will help grow the national economy and improve Australia’s international competitiveness.
“The Australian road network today stands at a critical juncture,” Mr Taylor concluded.
“Strong leadership, coupled with evidence-based planning strategies and modelling, offers the most effective means of delivering the road infrastructure network that will allow Australia to prosper for generations to come.”
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Written byTrucksales Staff
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