Eyre Highway problems highlight chronic shortfall in Commonwealth funds

3/3/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the disaster besetting Eyre Highway served to highlight the chronic shortfall in Federal road funding.

"While no-none is to blame for this unfortunate situation, it is the physical manifestation of a problem I have been emphasising since the 1993 election," Mr Charlton said.

"Western Australia is critically short of the funds necessary to complete vital road projects.

"It is not a political issue.  It is an economic issue and one that the Federal Government, no matter what political persuasion, must address.

"The Commonwealth has had a WA submission for increased spending on the National Highway system for more than two years.  The State needs an additional amount of $250 million over the next five years to bring its national highways system - a Commonwealth responsibility - up to proper standard.

"Eyre Highway, as with other national highways in WA, is far below proper standard.

"We need an acceleration of the rebuilding program if we are to enable key transport across the nation to be carried out uninterrupted.

"It is not a case of the Commonwealth having a shortage of funds for this work. It collects $10 billion annually in fuel taxes, $780 million from WA road users, and we are asking for an increased level of funding from this source."

Mr Charlton said the reconstruction of the 800 kilometres of Eyre Highway from Norseman to the South Australian border was only half complete after more than 10 years' work.  Another $100 million was required to complete the job.

"At the current rate, it will take another 10 years to complete the task on Eyre Highway, which is unacceptable," he said.

"And the work should not end there.  Funds should be provided to complete the upgrade along Great Eastern Highway, so we have a proper standard highway system from Fremantle port to the Eastern States.

"Much of the national highway system in WA is a disgrace.  In the North-West, for example, we still have single lane bridges and roads on Highway Number 1, which are subject to flooding every year.

"The Federal Government has a detailed account of all of the State's national highway requirements, but so far has failed to act positively."

Mr Charlton said the State Opposition also had a role.  It should stop using the disaster as a political issue and join with the Government in demanding extra road funds out of Canberra.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333