Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
Supplementary Budget Estimates October 2008
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Senator LUDLAM-I wonder how much of your work is in metropolitan public transport?

Ms McNally-In terms of quantifying that I would have to take that on notice, but there has been a significant growth under this government.

Senator LUDLAM-Would it be possible perhaps just to break down some funding over the last two or three years?

Ms McNally-We could make an attempt. We will have a look at that, Senator.

Senator LUDLAM-Not to just be creating work for you, but I am just interested to see how that changing pattern of mobility around the country is being reflected in the work that your agency does.

Ms McNally-Yes, Senator.

Senator LUDLAM-I would appreciate that.

Answer: The Government recognises that the Commonwealth has been absent from urban policy development, including public transport, over the last 12 years and that this has had an impact on the productivity and sustainability of our urban areas.

In this year's May Budget, the Government established a $75 million program to address urban congestion and planning, with the funds provided in 2007-08. Of this amount, $26 million is being applied to projects that specifically address metropolitan public transport issues.

This funding included $20 million for a feasibility study into the proposed Western Metro project for Sydney, between Parramatta and the CBD; $3 million for a transport sustainability study for Adelaide; and $3 million to develop a strategic framework for transport networks servicing Perth Airport.

Australian Government funding provided for the improvement of freight rail infrastructure will also have positive impacts on metropolitan public transport by freeing up capacity for additional passenger rail services.

The Government will consider further funding for urban transport infrastructure projects on completion of the National Infrastructure Audit and Infrastructure Priority List by Infrastructure Australia.