Royalties for Regions pledge gets backing of state trucking body
Western Australia’s rural trucking roads are in line for $48 million of additional spending.
The cash is part of a wider $75 million Infrastructure Investment Fund for agriculture infrastructure.
The WA transport industry welcomes announcement of investment in local government supply chain routes.
“A well maintained local government network of roads is absolutely fundamental to maintaining a safe and efficient supply chain,” WA Road Transport Association (WARTA) executive officer Cam Dumesny says.
“WARTA has long supported the need for additional investment to support our regional communities in maintaining local government roads.
“The WA road transport industry plays a critical role in supporting WA’s growing $7.8 billion agricultural sector.
“The role of the WA road transport industry is vital in both carrying the inputs required to support production and in carrying the farm produce from the farm to domestic markets or to the ports for export.”
Regional development minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions spending addresses supply chain constraints in delivering agricultural produce to market.
“Improving road networks transporting agricultural commodities such as grain, livestock, vegetables and organic foods will ensure we take advantage of this opportunity and continue towards the State Government’s goal of doubling the value of the agrifood industry by 2025,” Redman says.
“Royalties for Regions is focused on making these strategic investments to support the growth, sustainability and performance of agriculture and food businesses in regional WA.”
Agriculture and food minister Mark Lewis points out that, in a state where transport distances could be immense, costs associated with delivery to port could be a significant proportion of overall costs.
“A strong road network is a vital component of an efficient supply chain required to drive agricultural competitiveness and exports,” Lewis says.
“Improving road networks for agricultural commodities will reduce existing inefficiencies in delivering agricultural produce to market.”