An industry transport expert says the budget has its positives and negatives for the sector
A transport expert says the Federal budget is significant but also a missed opportunity when it comes to the transport sector.
Professor Jago Dodson is a professor of urban policy and director at the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University.
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Transport experts respond to what the Federal budget means for the transport industry
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The budget was handed down last night by the Federal government and made announcements regarding funding of the Australian transport industry.
Dodson says the funding of intermodal freight terminals in Victoria is a significant development when it comes to the state’s infrastructure.
“The most significant announcements in relation to transport and infrastructure in Victoria centre around the two-multi-modal freight terminals in Beveridge in Melbourne’s north and in Truganina in the west,” Dodson says.
“It signals confidence in the Inland Rail project and will go some way to reducing the number of trucks on Melbourne’s roads, reducing congestion and contributing to carbon savings.”
The budget also handed down money to fund certain road upgrades in Victoria to help ease traffic congestion and enhance the efficiency of the transport industry.
“There is also some funding for some notable but not hugely significant road upgrades, including Mickleham Road in Melbourne’s north,” Dodson says.
But according to Dodson, the budget was also underwhelming for those in the transport and infrastructure sector, with the Federal government not funding sustainable transport options.
“Overall, the budget has been another missed opportunity to support Victorians and Melbournians who are interested in cycling and walking as a means of travel,” Dodson says.
“Since Covid-19 we have seen quite significant behaviour changes when it comes to the number of people who want to walk and cycle for short trips.
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“We haven’t seen anything in the budget that supports this shift or the need for better public transport options that will also help take cars off suburban roads and ease congestion.”
Dodson also laments the Federal government’s decision to reduce the current fuel excise, despite the VTA today saying the fuel excise lowering came as a relief to transport workers.
“The fuel excise reduction is a further disappointing measure,” Dodson says.
“It is better to provide general income relief or tax credit than to diminish a mechanism that assists to moderate travel behaviour away from cars.
“And the revenue foregone is money that can’t be spent to maintain roads or expand public transport, walking and cycling in our cities.”