Roads Australia
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, has welcomed Roads Australia as a new kind of stakeholder body for Australia’s roads.
Formerly known as the Australian Road Forum, Roads Australia (RA) was launched by the Minister in Sydney this week at a lunch attended by over 200 road industry leaders.
“Clearly you have a key voice for the road sector in Australia,” Mr Albanese told guests.
“Roads Australia’s greatest attribute is that it is representative of a wide range of stakeholders. Your strength is in your numbers and the calibre of organisations, all focussed on the same goal – better outcomes for the road sector.”
Mr Albanese said Roads Australia reflected the agenda of Infrastructure Australia in adopting a national approach, and committed his Government to working with Roads Australia in the future.
“It’s far easier if organisation’s can come forward with one voice and that’s what Roads Australia will be able to achieve,” he said.
Roads Australia’s 58 members include representatives of the road construction and engineering sectors, as well as state road authorities, toll road operators, the freight industry, the union movement, industry associations, construction material and equipment suppliers, and road users.
The organisation’s new name reflects not only its broad national membership base but its renewed focus on providing opportunities for policy consultation and discussion for all industry players.
“Roads Australia is seeking to encourage an open partnership between government and industry in policy development – in effect, industry and government working together as never before,” says Roads Australia President, Ray Fisher.
"The key players in Australia's roads are all equal members of Roads Australia – government agencies, the private sector and major industry associations. This creates a unique partnership between decision-makers and stakeholders."
Roads Australia has recently formed policy chapters focused on some of Australia’s most pressing road transport problems - namely congestion, resource leveling/skills, and sustainability/climate change.
“Each chapter is made up of representatives of a diverse and experienced range of stakeholders, and as such provides an ideal vehicle for government – industry engagement on these critical issues,” Mr Fisher says.
This week’s Roads Australia launch in Sydney was also attended by NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor.
Submitted by Mark Bowmer on Friday August 22nd 2008 2:35pm