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Continuation of funding for Roads to Recovery

Representatives of Local Government Associations from all States and the Northern Territory met with Federal Parliamentary backbenchers on Wednesday, 25 June 2003 to discuss the importance of the Roads to Recovery program.

"Our main point was to try and gather support from Federal backbenchers for a continuation of the Roads to Recovery program" President Cecil Black said. "It is due to run out in 2005 and Local Governments throughout Australia want the Federal Government to offer it beyond that date" he said.

"Everyone in Local Government considers it has been such a worthwhile program and even the Federal Government's review of it has confirmed this" he said. "Most of all it has provided a tremendous boost to road infrastructure both in terms of its upgrading or maintenance. It has paid for the sealing of roads, culverts and bridges amongst other things" he said.

"The backlog of work needed to keep Australia's local roads in good shape far outweighs the amount of money that Local Government has available to do it" President Black said. "Even with Roads to Recovery monies, which have provided extras, there is still a shortfall, so you can see why Local Government is so keen to keep it going" he said. "Hopefully, the backbenchers will see it that way too, and will lobby their parliamentary colleagues for a decision that favours this result."

"I guess we are lobbying now knowing full well that policy development amongst all political parties is in full swing at the moment in preparation for next year's Federal election." he said. "We want Roads to Recovery on all their agendas, as clearly it is very important to us and the communities throughout Australia we deliver services to" he said.

"If we gain support in the party room we might see commitments made during the election campaign" President Black said. "This is our best chance at having the program remain a significant part of the Federal budget so we are giving it our best shot" he said.

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