A new report released by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) at the annual National Local Roads and Transport Congress estimates that 12 per cent of local government transport assets are in a poor or very poor condition.

 

The National State of the Assets Report 2012 was prepared to assess how local infrastructure is funding and whether community needs are being met and if current expenditure levels are adequate.

 

The report built on previous research released by the ALGA which found that Federal funding of local roads would have to increase by an average of $1.2 billion per year to avoid severe deterioration of the local road network.

 

The latest findings of the report show that the current state of sealed roads presents the greatest challenge to councils, with over $2 billion worth of road assets considered to be in a poor or very poor condition.

 

The report concluded that Federal programs, such as the Roads to Recovery (R2R), are vital to the management of local transport assets.

 

ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis says while councils appreciate the assistance through R2R, more needs to be done address an estimated funding shortfall for local roads of $1.2 billion annually.

 

"Local roads make up more than 80 per cent of the nation's road system and are maintained by councils.  Without adequate support, we will struggle to maintain local roads to the standards necessary to ensure transport safety."

 

"Improving the quality of our roads will contribute to safer roads.  On average, four people are killed and 90 are seriously injured every day on Australia's roads.  This equates to the loss of 1500 lives a year as a result of road crashes."