Regional transport users invited to have say on future land transport services

29/7/94

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today invited transport users, planners and operators in regional Western Australia to have their say on the future directions for the provision of land transport services to their communities.

Mr Charlton issued the invitation in the city of Geraldton, where he released a discussion paper outlining objectives for the future development of the State's regional land transport system.

Entitled 'Which Way Ahead? - Proposals for Regional Land Transport in WA', the paper was prepared by the Department of Transport and Mr Charlton said it would complement work to be done on the planned regional transport strategies, which would include one for the Mid-West in 1995-96.

The discussion paper addresses five key issues:

·       improving international competitiveness of WA industry through more efficient and effective transport services;

·       ensuring that land transport infrastructure is provided and maintained in a manner which supports the development of an efficient transport system;

·       co-ordinating the various elements of the transport system in a manner that facilitates communication and co-operation, and involves a minimum of regulation;

·       ensuring that all communities in regional areas have access to an acceptable and affordable level of transport service; and -

·       achieving a balance between the drive for greater efficiency and the impacts of land transport on the community and environment, so that improvements in transport efficiency do not come at the expense of unacceptable reduction in the quality of life.

"A number of regional transport policy initiatives in recent years have been directed at creating a better competitive balance between road and rail by removing most of the restrictions on road transport and allowing Westrail to operate on a more commercial basis," Mr Charlton said.

"The success of these policies has been demonstrated by substantial reductions in freight rates for most users and the transformation of Westrail's freight operations into an efficient business.

"The Government is now proceeding to implement other changes which will bring about greater efficiencies and further reduce costs.

"Given that the processes of transport deregulation and commercialisation of Westrail are now largely complete, it is appropriate to review past achievements, the lessons that have been learnt and where we can go from here.

"The discussion paper is an important contribution to the ongoing debate on what we are seeking to achieve in transport and how we should best go about it.

"I urge interested members of the public to read the paper and respond. I want to have a full appreciation of community views in this area before recommending future transport directions and policy to Cabinet."

Mr Charlton said similar discussion papers were being prepared for the areas of aviation and marine transport as part of the development of an overall integrated transport policy for WA.

Copies of the discussion paper are available through the Department of Transport in Nedlands, Perth.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333