REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANS

The Group is currently preparing Regional Transport Plans for the timber industry and local government in the Lower Great Southern region of Western Australia.

It is also preparing a Strategic Plan for the Parkes Inter-modal Transport Hub for Parkes Shire Council.

It is working with Swan Hill Rural City and Wakool Shire Councils to prepare a Regional Transport Plan to support the proposed ethanol plant operations at Swan Hill.

It is also working with Tumut and Tumbarumba Shire Councils to consolidate a plan from a number of studies undertaken for the timber industry in the South Western Slopes region.

REGIONAL PLANNING STUDIES

The Group undertook a road functional review based on current and future land-uses for the new Tamworth Regional Council and assisted them prepare a submission for the RTA Independent Committee reviewing road classification in NSW.

It also developed a regional transport planning framework for 13 Councils in the Great Southern region of Western Australia in 2003.  This study identified regional transport issues, developed an asset management framework and developed options for redefining the role of the Regional Road Group to increase their focus on regional transport planning.

EVALUATION STUDIES

The Group undertook a review of the Roads to Recovery program with the Department of Transport and Regional Services in 2002/03.  This report played an important role in the success of the local government campaign to extend the program for another 4 years.

FEASIBILITY STUDIES

Renshaw McGirr Way (2002)

Defined and economically justified the case for sealing the remaining 30km of the McGirr Renshaw Way between Parkes and Wellington in central-west NSW for the three Councils (Parkes, Cabonne and Wellington) along the route.  The submission was successful and the NSW Government agreed to provide $10m to fund the work.  Construction is now proceeding.

Waterfall Way (2003)

Identification of a strategy for the upgrading the Waterfall Way between Armidale and Coffs Harbour on behalf of Armidale Dumaresq, Pristine Waters, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour Councils.  The strategy provided the Councils with a strategic focus for discussions with the RTA on the development of the route.

Eastern Dorrigo Way (2002/03)

Defined and economically justified the case for sealing the 22km between Ulong and Megan on the Eastern Dorrigo Way in north-east NSW on behalf of Bellingen and Coffs Harbour Councils.  The study involved comparing the merits of two alternative routes and identifying the benefits to regional tourism and the local communities.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

The Group have undertaken two Austroads projects for the Australian Local Government Association.  

Accessible Transport Standards (1999/00)

The first studied the implications of accessible transport standards on low trafficked bus routes in outer urban metro areas. The report was published in early 2000 as Austroads Report No AP-138.

Heavy Vehicle Loading of Low Trafficked Roads (2001)

This study assessed the impact of heavy vehicle loading on low trafficked roads.