In this 2012-13 Tasmanian Budget Submission, the RACT strongly reiterates its call for more funds to be utilised in making existing roads safer. Maintenance of existing road assets continues to face a substantial funding shortfall. Deterioration of road surfaces and markings leads to escalating replacement costs – and, while we wait for them to be fixed up, higher risks for road users. Tasmania must improve the quality of its existing roads; which will, in turn, make them safer.

The RACT acknowledges the budgetary constraints the Tasmanian Government is facing. However, in the shorter term, the RACT believes that in the interests of safety and the state’s economic advancement, these constraints do not preclude some relatively low-cost measures aimed at maintaining safety and mobility on Tasmanian roads.

In addition, as per the Terms of Reference for this year’s Submission, RACT has also:

• made recommendations regarding possible future revenue collections
• highlighted previous Budget commitments that must be quarantined from any expenditure cuts or funding delivery timing changes; and
• expressed our serious and ongoing concerns about funding cuts to Tasmania Police.

RACT released A Roadmap for the Next Tasmanian Government in February 2010, in the lead-up to the State election. Its fifty recommendations addressed Tasmanian road safety and infrastructure issues. This year’s Tasmanian Budget Submission continues to build on a number of the recommendations put forward in the Roadmap.

Download the RACT Budget Submission here. Tasmanian Budget submission RACT 2 2012-13

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