CABINET COVER SHEET
TITLE: PUBLIC RELEASE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT PLAN
MINISTER: Michael Wright MP Minister for Transport
PURPOSE: For Cabinet to approve the public release of the Transport Plan and note that initiatives in the Plan are largely able to be funded by a broad continuation of current funding levels and that each new initiative is contingent upon Government approval through the normal budget process.
RELATIONSHIP TO ALP policy committed the Government to the GOVERNMENT POLICY production of a Strategic Transport Plan for South Australia. The Plan has been developed in the context of the Government's objectives of economic development, science and innovation, social inclusion, and environmentally sustainable development. It has been developed having regard to the Economic Development Framework, and taking into account the key directions of plans that are being developed concurrently, such as the State Strategic Plan, the Planning Strategy and Infrastructure Strategic Plan.
RESOURCES REQUIRED The Transport Plan outlines strategies and initiatives FOR IMPLEMENTATION: over 15 years that will involve State, Commonwealth and Local Government funding, and private sector investment. The State Government share of funding is largely affordable within existing levels of DTUP budget allocations. To launch the Transport Plan, a cost of up to $35,000 is estimated, the majority of this relating to printing costs. This expenditure will be absorbed within existing Departmental allocations (and is endorsed by Treasury).
The Costing Comment received from the Department of Treasury and Finance raised the following issues. • The Plan should only make specific commitments to initiatives that have already been agreed by Cabinet. The major criticism of the draft Transport Plan was the lack of information on specific projects, their relative priorities, and the general timeframes for implementation. These elements have been added to the final Plan, and provide a much clearer perspective on the Government's transport intentions, for the benefit of the general public, stakeholders and potential investors in the non-government parts of the transport system. • The detailing of specific initiatives will create unrealistic public expectations of future expenditures that the Government may ultimately be unable to deliver. The Plan clearly states that the estimated costs of projects do not represent actual budgetary commitments as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. The estimated costings in the Plan do not specify individual years for project delivery, but provide a broad indication of timing in 5-year periods. The Plan will be reviewed every 3 years, and it can be expected that priorities will change and costings will be updated. From the feedback received from the extensive consultations, the community wants the type of open and accountable government which shows the Government's intentions. • Some of the targets appear to be unachievable or are outside the direct control of State Government policies. The targets have been assessed with respect to their feasibility. By their very nature, they involve challenges, but it has been concluded that they are achievable within the expenditure parameters set out in the Plan (refer table in Section 3.4.4). • Some of the proposed initiatives would be very expensive, appear unrealistic or have limited policy merit. Reference is made here to the proposed light rail extensions, rail gauge standardisation and possible eventual electrification of the metropolitan rail network. These projects are seen as part of the overall commitment in the Plan to maximising the value of the fixed rail system, which forms the backbone of the metropolitan Adelaide mass transit system. The standardisation project is of substantial economic and environmental significance as a key step to shifting growing freight off urban roads and onto rail.
6. COMMUNITY AND The Plan establishes processes and initiatives directed at ENVIRONMENTAL reducing the adverse environmental impacts of transport IMPACT and addressing social inequalities in accessibility.
7. RISKS The key risk relates to the failure to release a Transport Plan. Politically this could expose the government to criticism that it had not met its election commitment. The continued lack of a planning framework for transport would lead to sub-optimal use of limited resources, and less satisfactory social, economic and environmental outcomes
The development of the Plan has been supported by a State Government Reference Group and an External (stakeholder) Reference Group. In May 2003 the Cabinet approved the release of a draft Transport Plan for community feedback.
The final Plan has been amended, as appropriate, to take account of a range of community and stakeholder views.
The main themes arising from the community engagement phase, and the programming of the principal initiatives in the Plan were presented at the MPICC meeting on 10 December 2003.
The following have been involved in the development of the Plan through their membership of the State Government Transport Plan Reference Group: • John Damin, Department of Treasury and Finance • Julieann Riedstra, Department of Training, Education and Employment • Robert Jenkins, Department of Business, Manufacturing and Trade (now Office for Infrastructure Development). • Terry King, Dept. Business, Manufacturing and Trade. • Ruth Ambler, Department of Human Services • Manuel Delgado, Office for Infrastructure Development, • Tony Huppatz, Department of Environment and Heritage • Keith Harris, Department of Primary Industries and Resources • Simon Temple-Heald, Department of Premier and Cabinet • Kingsley Oakley, SAPOL • Garth Heynen, SA Tourism Commission • Jenny Hughes, Office of Recreation and Sport • Susan Waite, Douglas Mawson Institute Technology. • Grant Mclean, Department for Administrative and Information Services
The external reference group included: • University of South Australia, Transport Systems Centre • RAA • Business SA • Local Government Association • SA Farmers Federation • SA Council of Social Services • Conservation Council • Public Transport Users • Heart Foundation • People for Public Transport • ATSIC • Transport Workers Union • Property Council • Torrens Transit • Freight Industry Interests
9. COMMUNICATION A Public Affairs strategy outlining a range of activities STRATEGY to promote the Transport Plan has been prepared. These include briefings with key stakeholders and the media, launch of an interactive website, launch of the Plan by the Minister for Transport and a program of speaking opportunities.
10. URGENCY: High
11. RECOMMENDATIONS: For Cabinet to: 4.1 Approve the public release of the Transport Plan (attached). 4.2 Note that approximately 85% of the initiatives in the Plan are able to be funded if allocations for the transport portfolio are maintained broadly at historic levels. 4.3 Note that, as clearly stated in the Plan, funding for each new initiative is contingent upon Government approval through the normal budget process.
I declare that I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to the proposals contained in this submission.
Michael Wright MP MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT
/ / 1V2004 MINUTES forming ENCLOSURE to 2003/01531/CTP01
TO: THE PREMIER FOR CABINET
RE: PUBLIC RELEASE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT PLAN
1. PROPOSAL
For Cabinet to approve the public release of the Transport Plan and note that initiatives in the Plan are largely able to be funded by a broad continuation of current funding levels and that each new initiative is contingent upon Government approval through the normal budget process.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. In its election platform, the Government committed to the production of a Transport Plan for South Australia. The aim of the plan is to provide a guiding framework for transport decisions in road, rail, sea and air in South Australia for the next 15 years (in three 5-year phases). The plan contains eight chapters that provide the direction necessary to address the major transport challenges facing the State over the life of the plan and move South Australia toward achieving the vision of a sustainable transport future.
2.2. The Draft Transport Plan was discussed at Cabinet in March 2003 and approval was given to release the plan for public comment. The purpose of community engagement was to provide all South Australians with the opportunity to contribute to the Transport Plan.
2.3. In May 2003, the Draft South Australian Transport Plan was released for a three-month community engagement period, which was extended until 15 August due to overwhelming interest. More than 1,000 people attended the forums across the State and there were over 9,000 hits on the website. Over 400 written submissions were received from individuals and organisations, as well as many phone calls and faxes. All contributions received were considered by DTUP in refining the Plan.
3. DISCUSSION
3.1 Integration with other Government Plans
The Transport Plan has been developed having regard to the Economic Development Plan, and taking into account the key directions of plans that are being developed concurrently - the State Strategic Plan, the Planning Strategy, Infrastructure Strategic Plan and the Housing Plan. The links with these plans are acknowledged in the diagram on page 5 of the Plan (attached). The Transport Plan reflects the key objectives of the State Strategic Plan (as per the 1 February 2004 draft discussed by Cabinet on 5 February 2004), as they are relevant to transport. For example, there is a recognition of the need to facilitate freight movements for prosperity (refer Maintaining Freight Competitiveness chapter), but there is also an emphasis on maximising mode shifts and protection of communities to minimise adverse environmental and social impacts of freight growth, in line with the sustainability objective. Significant improvements in public transport are proposed, with an emphasis on upgrading outer suburban services, supporting the State Strategic Plan's opportunity objective by increasing accessibility in areas of need (refer Public Transport - Realising it Potential chapter). The wellbeing of our community is picked up through initiatives such as road safety and reducing the number of road fatalities. Sustainability is a key theme throughout the Transport Plan. The use of public transport is an indicator which is included in both the Transport Plan and the draft State Strategic Plan.
There is a high degree of consistency between the Transport Plan and the State Planning Strategies. The emphasis on land use and transport integration in the Metropolitan Strategy is reflected in the Transport Plan, and a linking "Land Use and Transport Integration" statement is being prepared.
The emphases in the Transport Plan on asset sustainment, strategic and targeted infrastructure investment, and the exploration of innovative funding methods while retaining Government control of assets and the networks, are consistent with the directions that are being set for the State Infrastructure Strategic Plan (refer Maximising its Value chapter).
Community Engagement
The overarching themes that have emerged as a result of the Community Engagement phase are outlined below, along with the responses made in the final draft of the Plan.
3.2.1 Strategic Balance The majority of contributors have indicated that the balance of the draft Plan was appropriate, with its approach to social inclusion, economic development and environmental sustainability. Contributors overwhelmingly advocated strengthening the plan in their area of specific interest. Despite this, the balance of the Plan has been maintained.
3.2.2 Specificity The major criticism was a perceived lack of specific detail in the Plan. Many contributors wanted to know more specifically how the State Government will address South Australia's transport challenges. They sought details of projects - where they would occur, how much they would cost, who would be paying, and when they would commence.
In response, the Transport Plan now includes priorities, estimated costs and timeframes for the initiatives, as well as the strategic directions. 3.2.3 Short-term infrastructure projects versus strategic direction Some respondents suggested that the Plan should be primarily a list of short- to medium-term infrastructure projects. On the other hand, a raft of contributions advocated that South Australia avoid what is seen as an unsustainable approach of major new infrastructure investments. A number of contributors reiterated the need for the Plan to be a strategic level document, as a necessary guide for more detailed planning of major projects in the shorter term.
This final version of the Plan maintains the strategic focus of the Draft, while providing more information on the investment priorities. However, it is emphasized throughout the Plan that Government funding support for individual initiatives is subject to approval through the normal budget process.
3.2.4 Responsibility for meeting South Australian transport challenges Federal and Local Governments, as well as the private sector, own and manage key transport assets. However, many contributors failed to recognise their own role in addressing South Australia's transport challenges, with many seeing it as a sole responsibility of State Government. As the success of the Plan depends upon partnerships with the private sector, Commonwealth and Local Government, the State Government will increase its engagement with other sectors to implement the Plan.
3.2.5 Specific changes to the Transport Plan as a result of addressing feedback received: • The draft Transport Plan proposed reviewing the use of the dedicated public transport corridors, including consideration of options that could replace the passenger rail system. However, there was widespread community support for the retention and upgrading of the train services. Accordingly the proposed review has been refocused onto making better use of the dedicated corridors, within the context of retaining and improving the passenger rail network. This also supports the Government's priority of shifting freight from road to rail, which received strong support from the community as a means of managing the social and environmental impacts of freight transport on local communities. • Public transport in Adelaide prompted much discussion and debate. Emphasis in the public feedback was on improving public transport service levels, with consistent calls for more reliable, accessible, frequent and faster public transport. Issues regarding security and safety at stations and stops were also raised. In response, a second target has been added for public transport that is directed at increasing the coverage of public transport services across metropolitan Adelaide. Actions to address both targets focus on investment in rail infrastructure upgrading, train- bus interchanges, stations and their environs and works aimed at improving safety and security of all modes of public transport. Improvements to local passenger transport services - such as service coverage and frequency - are also given greater emphasis. • In recognition of specific transport issues relating to indigenous communities, the Transport Plan now makes reference to progressing these issues through the development of initiatives to improve road safety and access to transport systems. • There was strong support in regional South Australia for the continued development of Community Passenger Networks, as proposed in the draft Plan, and significant funding will be allocated for this. • Concern was expressed regarding the ad-hoc approach to provision of facilities to support walking and cycling - in part a reflection of the central role played by individual local Councils in the management of these assets. In response, the Plan proposes a more strategic approach to the development of walking and cycling infrastructure and the promotion of these modes, including better coordination with councils and investment in a complete strategic metropolitan cycling network. • Feedback indicated concern about the noise and air pollution impacts of freight transport on residential areas and regional tourist destinations. In addition to the strategies in the draft Plan such as shifting freight from road to rail, improved vehicle/engine design and improved integration of land use and transport planning, the development of a Transport Noise Management Framework is included.
• Strategies have also been strengthened aimed at reducing environmental impacts relating to water and waste, pollution from vessels and noise emissions from the transport sector. • The road safety target has been brought into line with the national target, of a 40% reduction in fatalities by 2014. • The target to achieve a significant shift of interstate freight from road to rail has been amended in line with updated data on interstate freight movements. • There was concern that the target of eliminating the State Government road maintenance backlog by the end of the Plan period, 2018, was not sufficiently ambitious. The target has been amended to remove the backlog by 2014. 3.3 Targets The Key Messages of the Plan (p6) are supported by targets which will be monitored as part of the delivery of the Plan. The targets are:
3.3.1 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System • 40% reduction in road fatalities by 2010, with an ongoing focus on reductions in fatalities and injuries across all modes.
3.3.2 Public Transport in Adelaide - Reaching its Potential • Increase the use of public transport to 10% of weekday passenger travel by 2018 • By 2018, a regular passenger transport service available within 500 metres of 90% of homes in built-up areas, and services no longer than 30 minutes apart during weekdays and 60 minutes apart on weekends and at night by 2018.
3.3.3 Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs - Maintaining Freight Competitiveness • More efficient freight movement, and a 15% increase in mode share for interstate rail and sea freight by 2018.
3.3.4 Access for Regional Rural and Remote Communities • Ensure safe and reliable access for regional, rural and remote South Australia, and revitalise regional passenger transport.
3.3.5 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and Social Sustainability • No rise in Greenhouse Gas and other pollution from transport (above 2003 levels).
3.3.6 Walking & Cycling • Double walking and cycling trips by 2018.
3.3.7 Maximising its Value - Asset Maintenance • Eliminate the road maintenance backlog by 2014, and sustain an adequate level of maintenance thereafter.
3.3.8 Smarter Spending and Decision Making • Better decisions through transparency and efficiency.
3.4 Economic, Financial and Budgetary Implications 3.4.1 The Transport Plan places the emphasis on the intelligent management of the transport system to maximise use of limited resources. Asset sustainment is a high priority for road, rail, marine and aviation infrastructure. Investment in the public transport system is for social and environmental benefits, but also to facilitate more efficient use of road space and rail infrastructure. New infrastructure requirements will be better targeted and determined within a four-tiered priority framework - safety, public transport, freight, then selected improvements to address capacity needs.
3.4.2 The fiscal pressure of the current forward estimates period is recognised in the Plan and overall approximately 85% of initiatives can be funded within the current DTUP budget allocation.
3.4.3 All of the initiatives within the Transport Plan will seek funding in the formal budget process.
3.4.4 The funding implications of the initiatives have been analysed, and are summarised in the following table. This shows the total estimated cost of the South Australian Government's initiatives in the Transport Plan for each of the three 5-year periods of the Plan; and for the whole 15-year period of the Plan.
The cost of the initiatives is compared with the current DTUP budget allocation in the table below to show the extent to which the total initiatives can be funded through current allocations. As shown in the table, if all the initiatives in the Plan were implemented (including the third priority initiatives), the current DTUP budget allocation would be exceeded by 14%.
Transport Plan Expenditure Estimates ($m, 2003/04) Comparison with current/historic DTUP budget allocation. 2004/05¬ 2009/10¬ 2014/15 Total for 08/09 13/14 -18/19 15 years DTUP Proposed Transport Plan Capital Expenditure Priority 1, 2 and 3 Initiatives 836 815 694 2,345 DTUP Additional Transport Plan Operating Expenditure Additional Priority 1, 2 and 3 Operating Initiatives 344 344 259 947 DTUP TOTAL Transport Plan Expenditure Priority 1, 2 and 3 Initiatives 1,180 1,159 953 3,292 % of current/historic DTUP allocation 117% 117% 109% 114%
Estimated expenditure required by the Plan from Private 1,500 Sector and other Governments
3.4.5 The above calculations are based on the following two very conservative assumptions. • No toll revenue has been recognised in the calculations, although there is the potential for full or partial tolling on $430 million of new freight infrastructure projects. • The Plan includes capital projects worth $610 million that can be expected to qualify for substantial Commonwealth financial assistance. In the above calculations it has been assumed that South Australia will receive only a 50% Commonwealth contribution under the new Auslink arrangements. This is an extremely conservative assumption. Previously the Commonwealth has funded 100% of National Highway projects. Also, firm indications have been received that it will extend the Auslink network to include South Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive between the Port River expressway and the airport, so that the upgrades of these roads that are proposed in the Plan will qualify for at least 50% Commonwealth funding.
3.5 Staffing Implications
Not applicable.
3.6 Impact on the Community and the Environment
3.6.1 Family Impact Statement There is a strong emphasis in the Plan on improving accessibility for all family members, recognising that many family members have no or only partial access to private motor vehicles. The Plan foreshadows substantial investment in maintaining and improving public transport assets, making the road system safer for children, and for more vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), and making the public transport system more secure. The link is recognised between the decline in walking and cycling as part of everyday activity, and significant health problems due to lack of fitness (particularly for young people). There is an emphasis on promoting walking and cycling and less car use.
There is a major commitment to improve transport safety, particularly road safety. The current toll of road fatalities and serious injuries has a significant adverse effect on the families involved and places a substantial load on the health system.
3.6.2 Environmental Impact Statement: The Transport Plan proposes a wide range of policies and investments to increase the proportion of travel by more sustainable modes - walking, cycling, public transport. There are targets for stabilising greenhouse gas emissions, doubling walking and cycling, and shifting a greater proportion of interstate freight from road to rail. More attention will be given to reducing the environmental burden created by motorised transport.
3.6.3 Regional Impact Statement The Transport Plan will have significant benefits for regional areas. It focuses on improving regional public transport, including a major commitment to the further development of integrated passenger transport networks that coordinate all the available local transport resources. There is to be better targeting of investment for rural roads to minimise social, economic and health disadvantages associated with the lack of access to transport. Reducing the over-representation of regional South Australia in road crashes and supporting economic growth are other priorities.
The considerable investment in freight infrastructure that is proposed in the Plan, both in regional and metropolitan areas, will facilitate exports from regional SA. Consultation with local communities to understand local issues is a key priority in the regional access chapter of the plan.
3.6.4 Small Business Impact Statement The Transport Plan will increase the efficiency of delivering goods and services for the whole community, which in turn will benefit small business.
3.6.5 Social Impact Statement The Plan requires triple bottom line assessments of transport policies and projects, recognising that there is the potential for transport projects to have negative social impacts. These assessments will be applied to infrastructure projects and the charging proposals in the Plan.
Significant progress has been made in making the public transport system accessible for people with limited mobility, and an full audit of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act is identified.
There is a strong underlying theme in the Plan of investing to sustain existing assets. This applies to public transport assets and the existing metropolitan and regional road and rail networks.
There also is a strong theme of maximising the community's use of these assets through better coordination (within and beyond government), and the more integrated social, economic and environmental planning and assessment of transport activities.
The key direction is to increase social capital by sustaining physical transport capital in ways that will maximise community benefit.
3.6.6 Regulatory Impact Statement There is no immediate regulatory impact. The implementation of some of the policies in the Plan will require legislative amendments.
3.7 Risk Management Strategy 3.7.1 Political/Economic Risks Given the publicly stated commitment to develop a Transport Plan, failure to release the Plan could expose the Government to criticism that it had not met its election commitment.
The release of the Transport Plan will provide greater certainty for government investment by providing long term direction. Meeting transport service delivery requirements requires a high proportion of expenditure to be dedicated to investing activities, most of which have long lead times. South Australia has its own specific requirements, with the most significant being road safety where the State is already under- performing all other States. Failure to address this issue will see ongoing human suffering and cost pressures on hospitals and emergency services.
There also is an urgent need to address the development of South Australia's limited freight transport infrastructure, to prevent freight bottlenecks impeding export and economic growth.
Asset maintenance is currently running at 60% of depreciation, so without the further investment that is proposed in the Plan, there is likely to be an accelerated rundown of the existing transport network, with increased safety risks.
3.7.2 Environmental Risks Another key element of the Transport Plan is environmental sustainability. The initiatives outlined in the attached plan are considered fundamental in addressing the transport sectors contribution to environmental damage.
3.7.3 Legal Risks A few of the initiatives in the plan will require further legislative change, but all will be subject to further investigation in their development.
3.8 Implementation Strategy The Transport Plan will be followed by the second tier of more detailed short to medium term strategies enlarging upon each of the eight chapters.
3.8.1 The first of these, the Road Safety Strategy was released in September 2003 for public comment. The Freight Strategy will be released within a month of the launch of the Transport Plan. 3.8.2 DTUP will initiate a Ministerially-chaired Transport Plan Coordinating Committee, comprising senior state officials, and key transport partners. A cross-government Transport Plan Working Group will ensure consistency in government decisions regarding transport. 3.8.3 The aforementioned targets in the Plan will be subject to ongoing measurement to monitor performance. 3.8.4 DTUP will report annually to cabinet on the progress, performance and program delivery of the plan. 3.8.5 To ensure that the plan responds to the changing needs of South Australia, it will be revised every three years.
3.9 Consultation 3.9.1 A number of approaches were used to encourage and maximise contribution from interested parties to the development of the plan. Steering Group - DTUP Executive Directors
State Government Reference Group, including key State Government agencies. External to Government Reference Group - chaired by Professor Derek Scrafton and comprising social, environmental, public transport users, union, freight industry, public transport contractors, and health interest representatives.
Transport Plan Internet Site - allowing for easy dissemination of material pertaining to the plan's development, whilst encouraging e¬ mail or written contributions from the public.
Targeted Transport Plan Forums - engaging with over forty external organisations with a particular interest in transport, such as Regional Local Government Associations, the South Australian Road Transport Association, Disability Action, and the Council for the Ageing.
Interstate Learnings - DTUP held a series of sessions with interstate colleagues in order to determine best practice in the development of a functional Transport Plan.
Community Engagement - as outlined in the background discussion, the community was encouraged to comment on the draft Transport Plan through various mechanisms including the website, email, written submissions, calls to the Transport Plan InfoLine, community forums and targeted stakeholder briefings.
Communication Strategy
3.10.1 A Public Affairs Strategy has been developed to facilitate a coordinated approach to promoting the Plan.
3.10.2 Tailored tools of engagement will be used with each group of stakeholders, including:
• briefings with key stakeholders and the media • launch of the interactive website • launch of the Plan by the Minister • program of speaking opportunities
3.10.3 The full version of the Transport Plan (as attached) will be placed on the DTUP website, with hard copies of the plan available upon request.
3.10.4 The Plan can be available as a finished printed document by Monday 15 March for public release thereafter, at a date to be determined having regard to the proposed launch date of 29 March for the State Strategic Plan and the commencement of the Economic Summit at the beginning of April.
3.10.5 DTUP will report annually to stakeholders about the progress, performance and program delivery of the plan. 4. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that Cabinet:
4.1 Approve the public release of the Transport Plan (attached).
4.2 Note that approximately 85% of the initiatives in the Plan are able to be funded if allocations for the transport portfolio are maintained broadly at historic levels.
4.3 Note that, as clearly stated in the Plan, funding for each new initiative is contingent upon Government approval through the normal budget process.
r
Michael Wright MP MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT
/2004 Attachment: South Australia's Transport Plan
Notes:
There may he very minor final changes to the Plan as a result of professional editing, and an index will he added prior to publication.
The final printed plan will be two-sided in colour. Transport Plan
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT FUTURE
MARCH 2004
a*
Government of South Australia Contents
Minister's Foreword 3
Introduction 4
Transport Plan — At A Glance 6
Making the Right Choices for South Australia 16
From Plan to Reality 19
1 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System 22
2 Public Transport in Adelaide - Reaching its Potential 34
3 Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs -
Maintaining Freight Competitiveness 48
4 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities 60
5 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and
Social Sustainability 72
6 Getting South Australia Walking and Cycling 80
7 South Australia's Transport Network - Maximising its Value 86
8 Smarter Spending and Decision Making 94
2 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Minister's Foreword
In 2003, this Government took a bold step and provided the first opportunity for all South Australians to comment and publicly debate transport issues of a strategic nature.
South Australia's first Transport Plan in 35 years is the result of this Government's resolve, coupled with community and industry input, to develop a plan that takes an innovative, integrated and inclusive approach to delivering sustainable transport outcomes.
Across the State, aging infrastructure and a poor road safety record are key concerns, while passenger transport networks require continued attention to reflect the changing needs of travellers. In the metropolitan area people are also concerned with rising congestion during peak commuter periods and the greater use of cars impacting on air quality. Increases in freight movements associated with continued economic growth also require careful management.
This plan provides an important vision, providing direction and detailing specific initiatives to address these challenges over the next 15 years.
An integrated approach
The plan takes a whole-of-system approach to managing the challenges, with fundamental links to other key State Government Plans under the framework of the State Strategic Plan, such as the Sate Infrastructure Plan, State Planning Strategy and the framework for Economic Development. Collectively, these plans will provide an integrated approach to meeting the Government's economic, social and environmental sustainability goals.
The combined initiatives detailed in this plan will best position South Australia to produce tangible and sustainable improvements to our transport system. For the proposed solutions to succeed, the government will need to work with other key owner-operators of transport assets and services in the State, most notably local government and the private sector. The Commonwealth Government will also be called upon to provide South Australians with a fair share of funding for transport projects.
Safety first Road safety is a clear priority. The Government has set the ambitious target of reducing road fatalities by 40% by 2010 and has established the Road Safety Ministerial and Advisory Councils to provide the necessary leadership. Over $85 million each year will be allocated to the maintenance of State roads, including the elimination of the maintenance backlog over ten years. A similar commitment will be sought from the Commonweatlh Government. In addition there will be ongoing investment in overtaking lanes, shoulder sealing and Black Spot programs.
Moving people and goods — greater efficiency, fewer emissions Public transport is valued by South Australians - both as an alternative to the car and as a critical service for those without access to a car. Greater priority must be given to public transport to deliver a reliable, accessible, frequent and faster service. The new face of public transport is emerging with the purchase of fully accessible, low emission trams and progressive service improvements across the Adelaide metropolitan network. In regional South Australia, passenger networks will be sustained and created through ongoing Government funding and coordination.
Meanwhile, the Government is forging ahead with development of the Port River Expressway to improve road and rail links across the north-west sector and complement the deepening of the Outer Harbor channel. In making better use of rail and port facilities and shifting heavy freight away from residential areas, the project epitomises the Government's strategic approach to managing growth in freight transport while supporting local jobs, local communities and the environment. I would like to extend my appreciation to all South Australians who contributed to the development of this Transport Plan. In going forward, we need continued community involvement and partnership with other Governments and the private sector to make this vision a reality.
Michael Wright MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT March 2004
3 Introduction
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN A Draft Transport Plan was released on 1 May 2003 for community consultation. It aimed to provide all South Australians with the opportunity to contribute to the Transport Plan.
More than 1,000 people attended the community forums held across the State and there were over 9,000 hits on the Draft Transport Plan website. The Government received submissions from more than 100 organisations. One hundred written submissions were received from individuals. Sixty comments sheets were submitted from the community forums. About 200 emails were received as well as many phone calls and faxes. The community engagement report can be found on the website - www.dtup.sa.gov.au.
All of the submissions received were considered during the development of the final Transport Plan. The submissions have affected both the policy directions and the priorities now established in the final plan. The plan refers to the community response, particularly where strategies have been strengthened as a result of widespread public support, or altered as a result of substantial community disagreement.
The majority of contributors have indicated that the balance of the draft plan is appropriate, with its approach to social inclusion, economic development and environmental sustainability. Contributors overwhelmingly stressed strengthening the plan in their area of specific interest.
These demands have to be set against the Government's commitment to responsible financial management. This requires the establishment of priorities and timeframes. These are set out in the eight chapters of the Plan. Funding for individual initiatives will be sourced through the Government's normal budgetary process.
Some of the funding estimates for individual projects are contingent on certain assumptions about the levels of Commonwealth Government and private sector financial contributions. There are considerable uncertainties associated with the level of financial support for capital programs from these sectors, particularly for major freight-based projects.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN STRUCTURE OF THE PLAIN!
The directions and priorities of the Plan are summarised in the following section "Transport Plan - At a Glance".
The strategies in the Plan are set out in eight chapters, which deal with specific aspects of the transport system. They indicate:
Directions - A summary of the key directions.
Target - One or two targets for the chapter.
Strategy - Outlining the Government's response to the relevant challenges.
Initiatives - A summary chart of initiatives, with priorities, estimated costs and timeframes, followed by description and explanation of the initiatives.
STATE GOVERNMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING^J^ttSnM
The Trnnrport Plan .is one of a number jof^slrJtegic'pldns^/pduccd by the-Government within fin ovi^rarchmc]*framework of fineStat e Strategic Plan'-VffieVTrans p ort • PI^^^^ manner throuqnits" fundamental hriti Transport Plan - At a Glance
VISION The Government's vision is to achieve a sustainable transport system: one that is integrated, coordinated, affordable, efficient and safe, and meets the accessibility needs of all South Australians.
KEY MESSAGES
• The focus will shift to maintaining and maximising the use of existing urban and regional transport assets, rather than the construction of new infrastructure. • Where new infrastructure is required it will be better targeted, and determined within a four-tiered priority framework - safety first, public transport, freight, then selected improvements to address capacity needs.
• The Transport Plan will play a key role in the economic prosperity of South Australia by providing for efficient and cost competitive freight networks.
• Linking regional, rural and remote South Australia to each other and global markets will remain a priority. • Transport and land use planning will become more integrated. Greater consideration will be given to the transport impacts of residential and commercial development decisions and vice versa.
• Transport safety requires a tough approach to speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, restraint use and a more comprehensive licensing system. Safety requirements will continue to be a high priority in investment decisions.
• Public transport will be given greater priority - at intersections, on the transport system and for Government expenditure. Its success will continue to be measured by increases in patronage, but an additional measure of success will be the degree to which it improves accessibility for South Australians.
• The plan supports widening transport choices, including providing for pedestrians and cyclists and more sustainable transport modes generally. • Lowering emissions and energy use will be a priority to improve the environmental performance of transport. Investment will target improvements that make public transport, walking and cycling more attractive, and programs that encourage 'greener' travel behaviour and reduce dependency upon the private car. • New technology will be embraced. Technological advancements will play a key role in reducing energy use and harmful emissions, improving public transport reliability, enhancing safety and more efficiently moving people and goods.
• Innovative means for financing transport infrastructure and services will be explored. Consideration will be given to funding practices that more closely link benefits to costs, such as tolls for new major transport projects and greater use of developer contributions.
6 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN SUIVIVIARY OF PRI NCI PAL TRANSPORT PLAN INITIATIVES The following chart summarises the principal initiatives in the Plan, with priorities, estimated costings and timeframes. Similar charts with more detailed descriptions of initiatives are provided at the beginning of each chapter. Here the initiatives are listed in priority order.
Total Funding Principal Transport Plan Initiatives - 15 Years in Focus Cost Source ($ millions)
F»RSOR:TV ONE :RHTE AT? VES DEMANDING A SAFE AND SECURE TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Road Safety Advisory Council Initiatives 16 t
lllipiUVc UdllopUll Mill dbll UulUI c UIIUULJII Idl yclcU II HUdLI Veo bULII do Ulc DldLK opul riuyidlll 9/1 A Continue existing funding for safety related maintenance on State roads and National Highways 248 A Address the backlog of safety related road maintenance on State roads and National Highways 123 A Tackle speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, unsafe behaviour and the licensing system • • Implement rail safety programs for road crossings and pedestrians 26 • Extend enforcement and education campaigns for restraint use and heavy vehicle safety A Establish a Transport Security Council %
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ADELAIDE - REACHING ITS POTENTIAL Replace critical transport assets, purchase new buses and refurbish trains 401 • Install new concrete sleepers on metropolitan rail lines 130 • Upgrade the Glenelg Tram and extend to Outer Harbor 276 • Implement new or upgrade existing interchanges, stations and stops including the surrounding urban environment. 93 •
Improve public transport services to suburbs, cross suburban links and more Go Zones and Go Stations 400 t Improve safety and security on public transport and upgrade facilities for the mobility impaired 85 • Monitor and improve the performance of the access cab system and optimise the contribution of the taxi industry
to public transport • t
GATEWAY TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS - MAINTAINING FREIGHT COMPETITIVENESS Deepen the Outer Harbor channel 55 A Develop a new multi user integrated terminal at Adelaide Airport 260 • Support the development of new intermodal freight terminals and the connection to the freight road network 60 A Improve international links through increased air and container shipping services • A Dry Creek-Outer Harbor rail improvements 13 • Standardise the metropolitan, mid-north and south east rail systems 56 A Extend the rail line to Roxby Downs 50 • NORTHERN PORT ACCESS Port River Expressway 220 A
NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR South Road : Port Road - Torrens Road 42 A
• All or mainly State Government funding A. Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. -k Groups of initiatives that have no additional cost, or in combination cost less than $5 million.
7 Transport Plan - at a glance
Total Funding Principal Transport Plan Initiatives - 15 Years in Focus Cost Source ($ millions) PRIORITY ONE INITIATIVES
INNER RING ROUTE City West Connector Stage 1 5 •
DdrvcWcIl Dl lULjc rvfcjpiaLclIlfcil 11 W
OUTER RING ROUTE (National Highway Urban Link) Portrush Road 45 • Strengthen government-industry links with peak industry bodies such as the SA Freight Council • A
ACCESS FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES Review provincial city bus services • • Implement Integrated Passenger Networks across regional South Australia, including indigenous lands 45 • Promote the BusSA regional bus network and improve the concession reimbursement scheme for disadvantaged 15 • Improve regional road safety through the provision of overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing regional roads 71 A Develop an Outback Access Plan and commit funds for the development and maintenance of outback roads 100 A Focus rural investment on road alignment improvements and a Regional Transport Program 50 A
TDAMQDP»DT IM COI ITU AIICTDAIIA CMCIIDIM^ ITC CMWIDOMMCMTAI AMn COPIAI CI ICTAIMADII ITV IKANorUKI ll\ bUUIn AUolKAUA - tlNJoUKINU llo tIMVIKUNMtNIAL AND oUUAL oUoIAINAdILI 1Y Continue travel behaviour change with TravelSmart and introduce Green Travel Plans 85 A Reduce emissions and energy by using efficient vehicles, LED traffic signals, solar powered marine navigation beacons 7 • Increase the number of public transport vehicles using green fuels, trial fuel cell buses and plant trees along public transport corridors 16 A Reduce pollution from existing vehicles and vessels with education, improvement and enforcement of standards 9 • Develop a diesel emission testing facility and improve freight vehicle operating practices 6 A Reduce noise emissions from the transport sector and the impact on local communities 32 • Transport corridor revegetation program 15 • Underground power lines 110 . • Remediate contaminated transport land 10 • Preserve the visual environment, biodiversity and heritage 19 •
GETTING SOUTH AUSTRALIA WALKING AND CYCLING Coordinate the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure to create a strategic metropolitan and regional cycle network 53 A Ensure appropriate development and design of walking and cycling facilities A Mandate cycling and walking facilities into new transport projects • • Improve linkages with public transport and activity centres including secure storage facilities 5 A Protect vulnerable transport users, particularly children and the elderly, with education programs and improved facilities 26 • Establish the Office for Cycling and Walking to promote the interests of pedestrians and cyclists 3 •
SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT NETWORK - MAXIMISING ITS VALUE Continue existing funding to preserve State roads and National Highways 975 A Address the backlog related to preservation of State roads and National Highways 350 A
Prepare an integrated transport asset management plan • t Develop a road management strategy with more public transport priority, Transitways, uniform clearways and improved traffic signals 51 • Coordinate State Government transport proposals with Local Government Transport Plans 3 • Mawson Lakes Connector road 32 •
8 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Principal Transport Plan Initiatives - 15 Years in Focus ! ($ millions) j
PRIORITY TWO INITIATIVES DEMANDING A SAFE AND SECURE TRANSPORT SYSTEM Implement a Rural Rest Areas Program 3 • Coordinate Community Road Safety Groups and support community based programs • A Provide legislation for Personal Floatation Devices and an inspection regime to meet new Marine Safety Standards • • Develop and support a Marine Safety Strategy • •
PIIRIIP TRANSPORT IM AnFIAIDF - RFAPHIMH IT9 POTFMTIAI Expand Park'n'Ride facilities at major public transport interchanges and trial innovative services or • Investigate car parking levies • Introduce a contactless public transport ticketing system ex) •
GATEWAY TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS - MAINTAINING FREIGHT COMPETITIVENESS
NORTHERN PORT ACCESS Port Wakefield Road upgrading from Salisbury Highway - Waterloo Corner Road 110 • I—| Sturt Highway Extension from Gawler to Port Wakefield Road I yu
NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR •
i—i ooum rcoaQ, vvingneiu railway ciussuiy yiduc scpaiauuii ou U
noiDrooKS / ndnson rcudu ^uniuui upyidumy 1I unfoi 9 IMMCD IllMT nAI ITr INNtK Kll\JVj KUUIt Britannia Roundabout W
OUTER RING ROUTE (National Highway Urban Link) Hampstead Road 6 • NATIONAt HIGHWAYS AND REGIONAt ROADS Sturt Highway upgrading 140 •
ACCESS FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES Deliver Bike Ed to regional South Australia • • Mbbcss proposals ror duumuiidi scivilbs iu rxaiiyaiuu ibidiiu aiiu cbiauiibii d r\i ividiidyciiici 11 oroup Explore coordinating regional passenger transport under a single agency • , Complete River Murray ferry refurbishments 12 • Road safety initiatives for the indigenous population 10 • Minor transport investments related to tourism and economic development 15 A
TRANSPORT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA • ENSURING ITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Reduce waste and water pollution through water run off management and guidelines for waste products in transport 5 •
GETTING SOUTH AUSTRALIA WALKING AND CYCLING Promote walking and cycling with Walking School Buses, Bike Ed program and Special events promotion 14 A
SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT NETWORK - MAXIMISING ITS VALUE Roll out innovative transport technologies 15 •
# All or mainly State Government funding A Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. * Groups of initiatives that have no additional cost, or in combination cost less than $5 million. 9 Total Funding Principal Transport Plan Initiatives - 15 Years in Focus Cost Source ($ millions) PRIORITY THREE INITIATIVES DEMANDING A SAFE AND SECURE TRANSPORT SYSTEM Use technology to make vehicles and vessels safer and implement the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Program • •
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ADELAIDE - REACHING ITS POTENTIAL Electrification of the passenger rail system 85 A
Roll out the real time passenger information system 15 9
GATEWAY TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS - MAINTAINING FREIGHT COMPETITIVENESS Upgrade the efficiency of the Adelaide-Melbourne rail corridor 300 • NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR
Further South Road intersection upgrades 4J W
INNER RING ROUTE Fitzroy Terrace upgrading 3 • City West Connector Stage 2 16
OUTER RING ROUTE (National Highway Urban Link) Gepps Cross Intersection 45 •
ACCESS FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES Support Local Government and Federal regional aviation schemes and ensure adequate maintenance of airstrips • A
TRANSPORT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA - ENSURING ITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Increase driver awareness of the cost of transport • •
SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT NETWORK - MAXIMISING ITS VALUE Implement intersection and road upgrades on non strategic routes 85 •
# All or mainly State Government funding A Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. * Groups of initiatives that have no additional cost, or in combination cost less than $5 million.
10 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Notes:
• The chart shows:
- the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target,s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6);
- the estimated total cost of initiatives; and
- the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. • The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process.
• The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.
• Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport.
• Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date.
• The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives.
• The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years.
• For some initiatives; implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding.
11 Transport Plan - At a Glance
State Strategic Plan Framework for Economic Development Objectives:
•Prosperity [Planning Strategy South Australia's I - Metropolitan •Wellbeing Transport Plan ( - Regional - Inner Regional •Sustainability Infrastructure • Creativity Strategic Plan
• Community
•Opportunity
^ f
A VISION FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S TRANSPORT FUTURE
To achieve a sustainable transport system:
one that is integrated, coordinated, affordable, efficient and safe and meets the accessibility needs of all South Australians.
DIRECTION PLANS
Demanding a Public Gateway to Access for Transport in SA - Getting SA SA's Transport Smarter Safe & Secure Transport in Economic Regional, Rural Ensuring its Walking & Network - Spending & Transport System Adelaide - Development and Remote Environmental anc Cycling Maximising its Decision Reaching its and Jobs - Communities Social Value Making Potential Maintaining Sustainability Freight Competitiveness
TARGETS
40% reduction in Increase the use of More efficient Ensure safe and No rise in Double walking and Eliminate the road Better decisions road fatalities by public transport to freight movement reliable access for greenhouse gas cycling trips by maintenance through 2010, with 10% of weekday and a 15% regional, rural and and other pollution 2018. backlog by 2014 transparency and ongoing focus on travel by 2018 increase in mode remote SA, and from transport and sustain an efficiency. reductions in share of interstate revitalise regional (above 2003 adequate level of fatalities and serious By 2018, a freight transported passenger transport levels) maintenance injuries across all regular passenger by rail and sea by thereafter modes. transport service 2018 available within 500m of 90% of homes in built-up areas, and services no longer than 30 minutes apart during weekdays and 60 minutes apart on weekends and at night.
SPECIFIC STR YTEGIES
SAFETY PUBLIC FREIGHT REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL WALKING AND MAXIMISING SMARTER STRATEGIES TRANSPORT ACCESS AND SOCIAL CYCLING NETWORK VALUE SPENDING SUSTAINABILITY
12 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN /
ETROPO TAN ADELAIDE - Barossa Valley SUMMARY TRANSPORT STRATEGIES Sturt Highway upgrading Improve the safety and efficiency of Adelaide - Darwin Rail Line road access to Sydney and Brisbane Facilitating opportunities for freight export to South East Asia and tourism to northern Australia Gawler
Northern Port Access Interchanges, Stations & Stops Road, rail and seaport improvements for the New & improved interchanges, export of grain and other bulk commodities upgraded stations and better shelters, from Regional SA timetable and route information at bus & tram stops. Expanded Parking 'n' rSmithfield Ride facilities Potential Northern Intermodal Freight Terminal
Encourage the creation of an intermodal freight Rail Gauge Standardisation terminal to provide rail access from the north and Standardisation of metropolitan west industrial sectors i Elizabeth & mid-north rail lines to facilitate a shift of freight from road to rail
9 Salisbury Re-sleepering the metropolitan rail network
Adelaide Light Rail Extension to Outer Harbor
l^Modbury ' North South Corridor V / i Outer Ring Route —T 7 i Links Adelaide - Crafers Highway Upgrade capacity of parallel roads \y/ i 1 with National Highway to Sydney to form the primary access for Port Adelaide ^ 5, A i jT \ * and Perth and also Port Adelaide commercial traffic between the yVArnbale" West Lakes^ ' /paradise northern and southern suburbs
Provides accessibility across the metropolitan area by bypassing kl Terminal the city Keswick R baELX|DE Upgrade the Glenelg Tramline New Adelaide Glenelg Tram Extension New, fully accessible, air-conditioned Airport Terminal Creating a link through King William trams with upgraded infrastructure Street to the Railway Station
State Government Maintained Road Glenelg Adelaide - Melbourne Rail Corridor Upgrade rail corridor to improve the Existing Urban Area Oaklands Pfcrk Stirlir efficiency of freight access to or from Ma Suburban Passenger Rail »Blackwood regional SA & Melbourne Brighton Tram VBedforaPark
O-Bahn Mt Barker* \ f •Aberfoyle Park Strategic Freight and Passanger Rail Hallet Cove Be£ Potential Southern Intermodal Freight Terminal Urban Containment Boundary Encourage the creation of an Planning SA - Metropolitan Boundary y y*(Jld Heynella intermodal freight terminal to provide rail access from the southern vales Airport
Seaport Noarlunga'
Strategic Road Metropolitan WideInitiative s include: Roads that carry relatively high levels of «Black Spot Program • Expanded priority for buses longer distance traffic connecting key centres and areas of high activity in > Rail Level Crossing Safety • Integrating public transport and accordance with the Planning Strategy > Transitways Program urban development > Improved Asset Maintenance • Expand TravelSmart Program Future Strategic Road «Improved services in the outer • Transport Noise Management Framework Ring Route northern and outer southern suburbs • Create Strategic cycle network Regional Activity Centre « Progressive upgrading of train • Vulnerable road user safety o frequencies, particularly in the improvements Intermodal terminal off peak • Targeted intersection & road • upgrades Major Public Transport Node
Opportunity for Public Transport Interchange
15km 13 Transport Plan - At a Glance
NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND REGIONAL SOUTH AUS RAMA - fAlice Springs.g92.kni $ Birdsville 15km SUMMARY OF TRANSPORT STRATEGIES
Strategic Intermodal Freight Terminals Anangu Barossa (New) Pitjantjatjara Riverland (New) Aboriginal Extend Train Line to Roxby Downs Maria Land (or Intermodal freight terminal at Pimba) Oodnadatta Port Augusta (New) South East (New)
Tibooburra 140km Moomba Aboriginal Community Road Network and Airstrips Region-Wide Initiatives Implement Integrated Passenger Transport Networks Black Spot Program CoobeftPedy Rural Rest Areas Program Maralinga - Tjarutja Cameron Comer • Improved maintenance on State & National Highways Aboriginal Land Adelaide - Darwin Rail Line Overtaking Lanes Facilitating opportunities for freight Shoulder Sealing on regional roads export to South East Asia and Regional Transport Progam tourism to northern Australia Maralinga Outback Road Access Plan Restricted Reburbish River Murray Ferries Adelaide Perth Rail Line Area Rail Level Crossing Safety Program Nantawarrina Alignment improvements on regional roads Roxby Downs • Leigh Creek* Anginal T Road safety initiatives for indigenous people Tarcooa Support Local Government and Federal aviation programs Deakin Lar}d Glendambo Market and promote the Bus SA regional bus network Nullarbor Plain Heavy Vehicle Access Framework Aboriginal Community Road Yalata Parachilna Network and Airstrips Create strategic Cycling network in regional towns
•Wilpena
• Hawker Great Australian Bight Ceduna • Adelaide Sydney Rail Line
3roken Hill Port Augusta
Mannahill r-^-/ Poochera Orroroo Streaky Bay • ^ Port'ffonython Southern Ocean terborough 6i Wudinna Kimba ort Pine Terowie State Border
Town Sturt Highway Historic Cleve owell Upgrading to improve the safety and efficiency Strategic Freight Rail Line Wallaroo Clare* of road access to Sydney and Brisbane Kadina Other Rail Line ^ - Moonta Balaklava Saddleworth ^ i ^ i Eudunda \pt Wakefield ^Jlenmark ; State Government Maintained Road / SturLrc ossan Mildura 114km unootpa Standardisation of rail line to Barossa Valley Unincorporated Area Boundary Supporting Regional Growth in the Barossa Valley No local government authority north of boundary Port Lincoln #Mt Pleas Klein Pt / < Supporting Regional Growth in the Adelaide Hills All roads maintained by State Government Adelaide? •Manfium Warooka* ~
Aboriginal Land Boundary Supporting Regional Growth in Port Lincoln Pinnaroo Airport with regular passenger services Supporting Regional Growth Adelaide - Melbourne Rail Corridor Victor Upgrade rail corridor to improve the effeciency on Fleurieu Peninsula Harbor Coonalpyn Sea Port Kingscote of freight access from Regional South Australia 9 »,Tintinara and Melbourne Strategic Road \ Roads that carry relatively high levels of longer Keith Horsham distance traffic connecting key centres and areas 157km of high activity in accordance with the Planning Strategy. rtown Assessment of proposals for additional services to Kangaroo Island Kingston • River Murray Ferry Locations Naracoorte Cadell Narrung Waikene Robe* Improvements to the South East Lyrup Walker Flat Purnong rail network for freight Mannum Swan Reach* Wellington* Penola Beachport • Morgan Tailem Bend Millicent ~v •Capable of transporting B-Double trucks
Portland Mt Gambier
14 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 15 Making the Right Choices for South Australia
Transport is central to our lives. Whether it is by sea, air, rail or road, transport underpins the success of the State's economy and it's social vibrancy. It facilitates accessibility and the movement of people and goods, both within the State, interstate, and to the rest of the world.
Transport systems are complex and transport decisions have far-reaching effects. South Australia's Transport Plan provides a guiding framework for transport decisions in South Australia for the next 15 years, transcending the cycle of Governments.
THE CHALLENGES V\JE FACE
South Australia faces some significant challenges:
• The poorest road safety record of any Australian State.
• Rising private car use and commercial freight on metropolitan and regional roads.
• Some metropolitan arterial roads nearing capacity, with congestion during peak periods at some intersections.
• Systematic transport funding discrimination by the Federal Government over recent years.
• Increasing concern about noise and visual impacts of transport.
• Escalating fuel use.
• Social exclusion - both in regional and metropolitan South Australia.
• Slow population growth, but fewer people living in more dwellings.
• Projected increase in the proportion of older people.
• Increasing demand for public transport services in regional areas.
• Relatively low overall use of public transport and high subsidies.
• Sprawling urban growth placing pressure on services in rural areas on Adelaide's fringe.
• Planning regulations could be used better to support transport decisions.
• Ageing transport infrastructure and a backlog of asset sustainment demands.
• Low numbers of cycling and walking trips.
• Increasing health problems within the population due to inactivity.
• Increasing levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• More and larger freight vehicles on the roads - with continued growth in freight vehicle movement.
AT THE CROSSROADS
A crossroads has been reached. South Australia has an opportunity to make the strategic and invariably 'tough' decisions now, which will ensure that the big issues of congestion, environmental pollution and social dislocation do not threaten the quality of life in South Australia.
These are not just challenges for the State Government, but challenges for South Australia.
This plan represents the State Government's response to these challenges. It is equally the responsibility of the Commonwealth and local government, as well as the private sector and the community to respond to these challenges.
16 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 15 KEY PRINCIPLES
Five key principles run through the Plan. They are as follows.
Integrating land use planning and transport
Supporting State Strategic Plan objectives: wellbeing, sustainability, community, prosperity, creativity
Understanding and coordinating land use and transport decisions allows positive connections to be exploited and fragmented outcomes to be avoided. By shaping the pattern of development and influencing the location, scale, density, design and mix of land uses, planning can help to facilitate an efficient transport-land use system by:
• Reducing the need for motorised travel.
• Expanding the choice of travel modes, especially walking and cycling.
• Reducing the distance that people need to travel.
• Making it safer and easier for people to access services.
• Reducing the impact of transport upon communities.
• Reducing the pressure on valuable open space, industrial and agricultural land.
• Improving freight access to key terminals and reducing the negative impact of freight transport on the community.
• Reducing the overall infrastructure burden.
• Robust planning of transport and land use in the face, of changes in technology, social conditions, values, resource constraints, and other key factors.
• South Australia's commitment to achieving the aims of the 'National Charter of Integrated Land Use and Transport Planning'. Its principles underpin the plan.
Recognising transport's contribution to social inclusion
Supporting State Strategic Plan objectives: wellbeing, opportunity, community
Social exclusion can be the result when people or geographic communities suffer from a combination of problems such as unemployment, lack of education and skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime rates, poor health and family breakdowns.
Social exclusion affects many people, but the following groups are known to be particularly vulnerable:
• People with disabilities.
• Older people - increasing as a proportion of the population of South Australia.
• Women who have particular travel needs regarding access to private transport and in patterns of commuting and employment.
• Young people - who are especially dependent on public transport and on others for their travel.
The Government has recognised that not all South Australians fare equally and some experience acute and disproportionate disadvantage. That is why social inclusion is a central theme in the plan.
17 Making the Right Choices for South Australia
Acknowledging transport's role in economic development
Supporting State Strategic Plan objective: prosperity
Transport plays an essential role in supporting the economy by enabling business to access raw materials, to move intermediate products between factories, and to transport goods to shops and homes. It expands the State's economy by making it possible for South Australian businesses to export goods interstate and overseas.
People need to be able to travel to and from work, and to be able to travel in the course of their work.
An efficient, integrated and responsive transport system is needed to enable business to respond to changes in community needs and the structure of the economy, and to support growth in the economy with its associated benefit of increased employment.
Minimising transport's damaging effects on the environment
Supporting State Strategic Plan objectives: sustainability, wellbeing
South Australia, like other States, is faced with a number of serious environmental issues that threaten our enviable lifestyle. Many of these are directly attributable to the transport system. All of them will have an impact on future generations of South Australians, including:
• Increasing air pollution from motorised vehicles (greenhouse gases, particulates).
• Noise.
• Contaminated water run-off from roads.
• Ballast water pollution from shipping.
• Visual impact of the transport system.
• Community severance by major transport corridors.
Environmental conditions are inextricably linked to health. The decline in walking and cycling has accompanied falls in levels of physical activity, which is now a very significant risk factor for heart disease, and also contributes to obesity.
Given the major impact of transport on the environment, transport decisions must have environmental issues at their core. The South Australian Government acknowledges its role in the wider national and global context. It will work to ensure a sustainable future and a liveable, attractive environment for current and future generations.
Sustaining Transport Assets
Supporting State Strategic Plan objectives: prosperity, creativity, community
A strong theme of the plan is sustaining existing physical transport assets. This includes public transport (buses, trains, stations, operating systems), the existing road and rail networks, marine assets and airports.
There is an associated aim of optimising the community's use of these assets through more integrated planning, education, information and promotion.
The key principle is to increase social capital by sustaining physical transport capital in ways that will maximise community benefit.
18 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN From Plan to Reality
The challenge from now is to convert this plan into reality. This will involve all South Australians.
This plan represents an integrated package of policies, measures and management changes covering issues relevant to transport safety, public transport and taxis, freight movement, the needs of regional and remote communities, walking and cycling, and getting the most out of our transport network.
This package aims to enhance the environment, foster the State's economic development, meet the social inclusion agenda and integrate Government decisions.
KEEPING THE PLAN ALIVE: PROGRESS - COIVIVITTVENT - DELI VERY
The best plans in the world can fall short if there is no suggested way forward. We do not want this plan to sit on the shelf. Hence, the Government proposes a three-pronged approach to keep the plan alive and turn the words into a reality.
1. Achieving the transport targets - progress and performance
Targets have been outlined at the start of each chapter. The Government commits to ongoing measurement and modelling to monitor performance against the targets.
2. Guiding transport dialogue - a commitment to communicate
It is imperative that the Government communicates its decisions about transport to stakeholders. To ensure an ongoing commitment to regular communication, the Government will report annually about the progress, performance and program delivery of the plan.
3. Setting in place delivery mechanisms - delivering on the document
Because of the wide-ranging nature of the plan, action is required on many levels.
Short to Medium Term Specific Strategies
The Plan will be built upon during 2004 in the form of specific strategies corresponding with each of the eight chapters of the Plan. In these strategies the directions and initiatives in the Plan will be further analysed and developed in greater detail. The first of these documents, the Road Safety Strategy, was released in September 2003 (copies available at www.dtup.sa.gov.au).
19 From Plan to Reality
Coordinating Committee
The Government will also form a Transport Plan Coordinating Committee, chaired by the Minister for Transport, and comprising senior State officials, and key transport partners. Additionally, a cross-agency Transport Plan Working Group will be established to ensure consistency in Government decisions regarding transport.
Regular Review
The plan has been written as a living document that over the next 15 years will respond to the changing transport needs of South Australia. The Government commits to updating the plan every three years. In order to ensure consistency and continuity a team will be devoted to the plan's delivery and monitoring.
EARLY DELI VERY ON THE PLAN
The Government has not been standing still awaiting the release of the Transport Plan. The need for early intervention has been particularly evident for road safety, public transport infrastructure and freight infrastructure.
In road safety, the Government has introduced comprehensive legislative reform as well as committing a minimum of $20 million per year to a raft of road safety investments, including the State's first Black Spot program. The regulatory reform includes reduction of speed limits in some urban and regional areas. The initial indications are that the intervention has resulted in a 10-15% drop in serious crashes.
In public transport infrastructure, the Government has committed to upgrade the Glenelg trams ($56 million) and building a major public transport interchange at Mawson Lakes ($7 million). These are the first discretionary investments in the system for 20 years.
In freight the Government is building two new overpasses on the Port River Expressway (Stage 1) at a cost of $24million, with funds also being provided for Stages 2 and 3.
Some of the Government's other initiatives that contribute to the directions of the Transport Plan are detailed below.
Safety and Security
• A major focus has been placed on safety at and around level crossings. Risk assessments and a prioritised program of upgrading are underway for all road and urban pedestrian crossings.
• New technologies have been introduced at pedestrian crossing facilities.
• The Ministerial Road Safety Council and Advisory Council on Road Safety have been created, to provide sharper focus and clear lines of accountability for road safety policy.
• The Road Safety Strategy has been released, community feedback has been received on the paper "Possible Initiatives 2004-2010", and the Road Safety Advisory Council has made further recommendations to the Minister.
Metropolitan Adelaide Public Transport
• A "Smart Stop" real-time passenger information system has been installed along the Henley Beach Road to The Parade bus routes, including bus priority at intersections.
• Significant improvement has been made in Access Cab service delivery.
• The metro ticket boundary has been extended to include Aldinga and Sellicks Beach residents.
20 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN • The new bus interchange at Old Reynella has been completed.
Maintaining Freight Competitiveness
• The Government has allocated $24 million and secured additional Commonwealth funding for grade separation at the South Road and Hanson Road intersections of the Port River Expressway, to further enhance the northern Adelaide freight route.
Regional, Rural and Remote Access
• More than half of the $20 million annual road safety investment is being directed to Regional South Australia.
• The development of an Outback Roads Access Plan has commenced.
• Contracts have been called for replacement of the River Murray ferries.
• Integrated passenger transport services have been implemented in the Murray-Mallee, Lower Yorke Peninsula and Upper Mid North.
• State Government, local government and private companies are working in partnership to improve bus services in a number of major rural centres.
• The State Government is working on a national taskforce to develop a strategic network of airports on Aboriginal Lands.
Transport Network - Maximising its Value
• Additional Federal Government funding has been secured for reconstruction of the Dukes Highway from Bordertown to the Victorian border.
• State and local governments are working together to develop local government Transport Plans to ensure coordinated implementation of projects.
• The progressive introduction of bus priority initiatives on metropolitan arterial roads, including development of a Transitways program has commenced.
Environmental and Social Sustainability
• A tender has been let for $3 million project to convert traffic signals to low energy LED globes, to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• There is an increasing proportion of 'greener' vehicles in the SA Government vehicle and public transport fleets.The Government is working with fuel suppliers to test 'cleaner' fuels - an Adelaide Metro biodiesel fuelled bus competed in the 2003 World Solar Challenge.
• Development of a Transport Noise Management Framework has commenced.
Walking and Cycling • The Office of Walking and Cycling has been created.
• The development of South Australia's first Walking Strategy is underway.
Smarter Spending and Decision Making
• The Office of Public Transport and the Transport Planning Agency have been created to better coordinate and integrate transport planning.
• Stronger links are being made between transport and land use planning through the new Planning Strategy.
21 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
DIRECTIONS FOR A SAFE AND SECURE TRANSPORT SYSTEM
The Government's strategy for transport safety will:
• Provide the community with a safer and more secure transport system.
• Make safety the first priority in road transport.
• Reduce the number of crashes and incidents, and their human impact.
TARGET 40% reduction in road fatalities by 2010, with an ongoing focus on reductions in fatalities and serious injuries across all modes.
STRATEGY
Challenges
South Australians expect the transport system to be safe and secure. The State's rail, air and sea safety record in recent years, except for a few isolated incidents, has been good in comparison with other States. However, the State's road safety record compares poorly with other States.
Road safety
Road trauma has decreased dramatically in developed countries over the past 30 years. This has been due to a range of initiatives, from improved infrastructure to the use of seat belts and the introduction of drink driving laws.
Road crashes cost the taxpayers of South Australia more than $1 billion per year. Apart from the significant impost on the medical and hospital resources of the State, there is a heavy cost in personal pain and family tragedy involved.
From 1950 to 1970 there was a steady increase in road crash fatalities in South Australia, peaking at 382 fatalities in 1974. Since then, South Australia has experienced a substantial decline in the number of deaths on its roads. This reduction has been achieved despite increases in the population, licensed drivers and registered motor vehicles. In 2003 there were 156 fatalities, an overall drop of 60% from thel 974 figure, and serious injuries also dropped by around 60%.
Nevertheless, since the early 1990s, the reduction in fatalities and serious injuries has slowed and South Australia's fatality rate on a per capita basis is now the worst of all Australian States and is 24% worse than the national average.
The challenge is to find and implement the mix of additional measures that will be effective in delivering further significant reductions in the road toll.
Air and Marine Safety
The State Government plays an indirect role in aviation safety, specifically via its input on regulatory issues to the national body, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Five per cent of South Australians own a registered boat and the Government regulates safety for recreational boating. It also enforces and administers national legislation applicable to the safe operation of the commercial fishing fleet, charter vessels and hire
22 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN and drive houseboats in State waters. This includes construction standards, correct level of seaworthiness of the vessels, and operator qualifications and competency requirements.
In recent years the State Government has reformed certain aspects of the marine safety environment, with new legislation pertaining to jet ski safety and the introduction of a BoatCode system that seeks to minimise theft of South Australia's recreational boats.
The Government also continues to play a role in the survey and management of the shipping industry when using South Australian waters and ports. This role, in conjunction with the Federal Department of Customs, will continue to remain critical given the increasing security demands placed upon the shipping industry in light of recent world events.
Rail Safety
The Government is responsible for promoting, maintaining and enhancing the safety and access rights of all private and public sector railways operating in South Australia, via the Rail Operations and Safety Group, which principally has an audit and legislative function. It also has the capacity to respond to rail incidents.
Advances in the rail safety regulatory structure, infrastructure upgrades, and technological developments have resulted in significant safety improvements in South Australia over the past 30 years.
Level crossing and rail pedestrian crossing incidents mar what has been a sound performance with, on average, two fatalities and three serious injuries per annum since January 1997.
Responses
The most effective measures that can be used to reduce the number and consequences of road crashes are: improving the safety of road infrastructure, improving protection for vehicle occupants, and improving driver behaviour.
The approaches available to achieve these improvements include:
• Improved engineering of roads and vehicles.
• Better regulation and enforcement of driving behaviour and driver training.
• Increased education of the community about safe driving behaviour, the consequences of speeding and drink driving, and the use of seatbelts and child restraints.
A major effort will be made through the application of the best combinations of these approaches to lift transport safety and security in South Australia to a new level of performance.
The Government's principal safety initiatives for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next page, and described in this chapter.
These initiatives are strengthened by those chapters titled Maximising Its Value (improving the condition of transport infrastructure), Regional Access (regional road improvements), Public Transport (improved security), and Walking and Cycling (safer pedestrian and cycling routes).
23 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
SUIVIWVRY OF PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT SAFETY AND SECURITY INITIATIVES
Transport Safety and Security Initiatives Priority
1.1 Ensure that road safety remains a priority Ministerial & Advisory Councils on Road Safety initiatives
1.2 Improve the safety of South Australia's transport infrastructure State Roads State Black Spot Program Safety Audit Response, including roadside hazard treatments Rural Rest Areas Program Continue maintenance of State road infrastructure to improve safety (Refer also Maximising its Value chapter 7) Undertake additional maintenance on State roads to improve safety (Refer also Maximising its Value chapter 7) National Highway Commonwealth Black Spot Program Commonwealth National Highway Safety and Urgent Minor Works Continue maintenance of National Highway to improve safety (Refer also Maximising its Value chapter 7) Undertake additional maintenance on National Highway to improve safety (Refer also Maximising its Value chapter 7) Centre for Automotive Safety Research
1.3 Tackle speeding Additional red light and speed cameras
1.4 Get tough on drink and drug driving Improve awareness and enforcement
1.5 Raise awareness of the dangers of driver fatigue Develop campaigns to increase driver awareness
1.6 Detect unsafe driving behaviour Enforcement of road safety laws during high risk periods
1.7 Require a more comprehensive licensing system Graduated driving licences for young drivers
1.8 Promote road safety as a community responsibility Continue to support the Community Road Safety Groups Support for community based programs
1.9 Protect vulnerable road users
(Refer also Walking and Cycling chapter 6)
24 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Transport Safety and Security Initiatives Priority
1.10 Ensure restraint use Extend enforcement and education campaigns
1.11 Demand safer vehicles Use technology to make vehicles safer National MV Theft Reduction Program
1.12 Investigate the compulsory wearing of Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's) Legislation for compulsory wearing of PFD's on vessels
1.13 Demand safer vessels Continue inspection of commercial vessels Adopt new Marine Safety Standards
1.14 Make heavy vehicles safer Introduce package of legislation, education and training programs
1.15 Improve rail safety Rail level crossing safety program Improve safety of rail pedestrian crossings
1.16 Maintain safe waterways and airports Support national marine safety initiatives Develop a Marine Safety Strategy Ensure adequate maintenance of airstrips and airports
1.17 Address transport security Establish a Transport Security Council
# All or mainly State Government funding • The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.
^ Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or • Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget private sector) allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. need, rather than significantly increasing total Governmentspending on * Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million. transport.
• Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, Notes: depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to- • The chart shows: date.
- the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, • The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required the target, and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and on page 6); scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives. - the estimated total cost of initiatives; and • The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed - the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. every three years.
• The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments • For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local by the State Government, as these are determined on an government and/or private sector funding. annual basis as part of the budgetary process.
25 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
TRANSPORT SAFETY AND SECURITY INITIATIVES
1.1 Ensure that road safety remains a priority
The Ministerial Road Safety Council and Advisory Council on Road Safety have been created to provide a sharper focus and clear lines of accountability for road safety policy. The Road Safety Strategy, released in September 2003, will be enhanced by associated action plans on specific road safety issues.
Through consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders and the community, innovation will be introduced, at the same time ensuring consistency where possible with national initiatives and standards.
1.2 Improve the safety of South Australia's transport infrastructure
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has estimated that road safety infrastructure improvements, particularly those targeting black spots, have the potential to contribute almost half (48%) of the national target of a 40% reduction in the number of fatalities by 2010. Much effort already goes into improving the physical safety of the roads themselves, but the Government has re-arranged its priorities to place greater emphasis on proven safety measures.
The implementation of proven transport infrastructure safety measures will continue, particularly:
• The installation of overtaking lanes.
• The installation of effective road safety works such as sealed shoulders, audio-tactile edge lining and raised pavement markers.
• The replacement of electricity and street light poles near arterial roads with underground services and frangible poles. Focusing on the removal or protection of roadside hazards.
• Measures to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists on key arterial and local roads.
26 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Additional road maintenance programs will be introduced with a focus on greater safety, particularly:
• An annual program to monitor and replace slippery road surfacrngs
• Repair of dangerous rock slopes and poor road shoulders
• Replacement of unsafe road guardfences
Black Spot programs repeatedly have been shown to be amongst the most cost-effective road safety measures. The Government has begun the implementation of a State-funded Black Spot Program for State and local roads. The priority works program identified through safety audits will be expanded and include mass action programs where sections of roads are given a range of low cost road safety treatments.
Safety risk assessments will be undertaken for all new road projects (construction and reconstruction) at critical stages during project development.
Driver fatigue continues to be a major contributor to road crashes. As a result the Government has commenced the development of a state wide Rural Rest Areas Program.
In conjunction with these initiatives, the Government will conduct in-depth investigations of serious crashes to identify site-specific remedial treatments and assist in the review of technical design standards.
The Government has established the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR). CASR will undertake a wide range of road safety research as well as working collaboratively with automotive companies in Australia and overseas to improve best practice car safety.
1.3 Tackle speeding
Speed affects both the risk of a crash and the severity of any resulting injuries. Figures released by Australian Transport Safety Board show that a reduction of just 5% in the speed of all vehicles in South Australia would produce a 27% reduction in all serious crashes, including fatalities. This is a large reduction to be gained by a small adjustment in driving patterns and cannot be ignored by the Government and the community.
On urban arterial roads the risk of a road crash doubles for each 5km/h above the present speed limit of 60km/h. On rural roads the risk of a road crash doubles for each 10km/h above the average traffic speed. Half the crashes causing serious injury and 60% of fatalities occur on rural roads.
The Government is seeking a sensible approach to speed limits, based on a realistic appraisal of road conditions and crash history, in which there will need to be ongoing consultation with local government. This approach will achieve consistency and a transition to speed limits that have been demonstrated interstate to reduce road crashes.
It is important that the task of tackling speed is not seen only as a review of speed limits using existing guidelines. It is about more fundamental change - a lowering of the overall speed on roads both through lower speed zones and the understanding by drivers that slower speeds will bring about a significant reduction in the road toll.
A 50km/h general urban speed limit has been introduced. Lower speed limits on arterial roads with a high crash history in urban areas and where there are significant pedestrian numbers also will be investigated
27 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
To ensure these and other speed related measures are addressed strategically, the Road Safety Ministerial Council will review all aspects of speed management on South Australian roads.
The Government will explore increasing the number of red light cameras and the introduction of fixed speed cameras at appropriate South Australian locations, where speeding and crashes are an ongoing problem. Camera-detected speed offences will continue to attract demerit points. Fixed speed cameras have been introduced in combination with red light cameras. Revenue from offences detected by the use of anti-speeding devices will go into the newly established Community Road Safety Fund.
Penalties for extreme speed offences will be reviewed, in order to further deter speeding.
1.4 Get tough on drink and drug driving
Illegal concentrations of blood alcohol are involved in over 30% of fatal road crashes in South Australia, and the likelihood of having a crash doubles for every 0.05 increase in Blood Alcohol Count (BAC). Every other jurisdiction except the Northern Territory has licence removal as part of the penalty for drink driving offences over 0.05.
There is also clear evidence that drug use - including the use of some prescription drugs and the use of stimulants in the transport industry - impairs driving ability.
In order to ensure a collaborative and strategic approach to addressing drink and drug driving, the Road Safety Ministerial Council will review current Drink and Drug Driving Provisions.
The Government has introduced loss of licence for BACs between 0.050 and 0.079, which will bring South Australia in line with the majority of Australian States. Mobile Random Breath Testing (RBT) has also been introduced at selected times of the year, and full-time mobile RBT will be considered.
The Government will investigate the introduction of legislative change to the Road Traffic Act, 7967 which would empower police to require a blood sample from a person suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Random drug testing will also be considered.
Future gains in deterring drink and drug driving will come from the pursuit of innovative technologies such as alcohol interlocks (devices which prevent a car starting if the driver is affected by alcohol). The Government will consider modifications to the current alcohol ignition interlock scheme. The scheme has the potential to substantially reduce recidivist drink driving if implemented appropriately.
Alcohol and drugs also contribute to nearly 40% of all maritime fatalities and incidents. The Government will develop measures to improve public awareness and enforcement in this area.
28 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 1.5 Raise awareness of the dangers of driver fatigue
Research suggests that fatigue may be involved in over 20% of serious crashes. Fatigue is difficult for many drivers to understand - it is not as obvious or as easily measured as excessive speed and alcohol.
The public is becoming more aware of the phenomenon of fatigue and its adverse effects on driver ability. The Government will build on this awareness by developing campaigns that provide further information about fatigue and assist drivers to better prepare for trips (refer initiatives in 1.14 - Make Heavy Vehicles Safer)
1.6 Detect unsafe driving behaviour
Concentrated road safety campaigns - including random breath testing - have shown that the greater the likelihood of being detected committing a driving offence, the more likely people are to obey the law.
The Government will continue to enforce road laws that have a strong bearing on improving road safety and will ensure the delivery of concerted campaigns during recognised periods of greatest concern, such as the Christmas break, Easter break, and long weekends. Penalties for offences related to road safety will be reviewed.
1.7 Require a more comprehensive licensing system
Drivers in the 16 to 24 year age group are over represented in road trauma statistics.
The Government recently announced a comprehensive set of initiatives to bring greater rigour to South Australia's licensing system for novice drivers. However, novice driver licensing, including testing options, supervised driving, training and penalties will continue to be reviewed.
1.8 Promote road safety as a community responsibility
Road safety is the responsibility of the whole community and Government action alone will not redress the balance.
The Government will encourage greater community involvement, particularly through local government, and continue to support Community Road Safety Groups.
1.9 Protect vulnerable road users
For some years, successive Governments have been promoting healthy alternatives to car travel. Bicycle lanes, better footpaths, and safer crossings have resulted.
'Safe Routes to Schools' and 'Bike Ed' continue to educate children about road safety, and prepare them for the future whilst also improving driver behaviour.
South Australia needs to continue to make its roads safer for all pedestrians and cyclists, but especially children and older people. The Government will ensure a coordinated and effective Community Road Safety Program is a key element of its Road Safety Strategy.
Specific approaches to improving safety of pedestrians and cyclists are addressed in the Walking and Cycling chapter 6.
29 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
1.10 Ensure restraint use
Although seat belts and child restraints have made a dramatic difference to the incidence of death and injury in road crashes, many people still ignore the simple safety precaution of 'buckling up'. The Government will extend integrated education and enforcement campaigns targeting restraint use by all sections of the community.
In the road transport industry the occupational health and safety of drivers overlaps with road safety, and requires appropriately linked and consistent regulatory powers.
1.11 Demand safer vehicles
The Government recognises that stolen vehicles are often involved in serious crashes. In line with the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Program, the Government will introduce a program of investment in anti-theft mechanisms for vehicles.
Further, the Government recognises the critical role that technological innovation plays in vehicle safety. Three major causes of road crash problems are drink driving, speeding and the non-wearing of seatbelts.
Current Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology - Alcohol Ignition Interlocks, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, and Seatbelt Ignition Interlocks - can address each of these problems. The Government will work with national vehicle safety authorities and the vehicle industry to ensure that ITS features are incorporated into new vehicles at the earliest possible time.
The practicality of introducing front number plates for motorcycles to heighten the perception of detection for unsafe behaviour will be investigated.
The Government recognises that national standards are most appropriate for improving the safety performance of the vehicle. It will encourage the adoption of a national approach to see:
• Early introduction of safety features available in overseas models into the equivalent Australian models.
• Vehicle manufacturers (or importers) being required to periodically review and evaluate the safety performance of their vehicles on the Australian road network and to report their findings and subsequent responses to the Australian Transport Council (ATC).
30 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 1.12 Investigate the compulsory wearing of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
Recent research has highlighted the high percentage of fatal boating accidents involving persons not wearing a PFD. The Government will therefore investigate the introduction of legislation requiring the compulsory wearing of PFDs on vessels of a particular size and for persons of a particular age.
1.13 Demand safer vessels
The stability and seaworthiness of vessels is an important factor to the survival of persons at sea. The Government provides for the survey and inspection of commercial vessels to ensure they are constructed in a sound manner and are maintained and equipped to a required standard.
The Government is committed to the reform of the national marine safety agenda and will adopt new national standards as they are developed, including:
• The introduction of the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats to increase the public awareness of the load limits and stability of vessels.
• The introduction of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels, which will replace the Uniform Shipping Laws Code and provide performance-based national standards for the design, construction, crewing and operation of commercial vessels.
1.14 Make heavy vehicles safer
The freight industry is critical to the State's economy and the majority of operators take road safety very seriously.
Only a fraction of the trucks on the road are regularly inspected. The Government is concerned with the detection of unsafe trucks and improving methods of inspection. It also strongly supports nationally consistent ways of ensuring that truck operators, consignors, consignees and anyone else in the 'chain of responsibility' take their share of responsibility for ensuring that trucks are driven safely within the law.
Recognising that the actions and inactions of people off the road can significantly affect safety on the road, the Government will introduce new, nationally consistent measures developed by the National Transport Commission (NTC) including legislation, codes of practice, education and training programs and enforcement guidelines - all aimed at improving the road safety performance of the heavy vehicle industry.
The Government will expand the ability of the courts to penalise anyone whose demands or reckless behaviour off the road contribute to safety breaches on the road. Modern enforcement powers will be introduced that are nationally consistent and linked with other regulatory regimes such as Occupational Health Safety and Welfare, and Environmental Protection.
Future initiatives relating to heavy vehicle safety include management of driver fatigue, improved monitoring of drivers and vehicles through accreditation, and the use of intelligent transport systems to better target enforcement. South Australia will also introduce a range of penalties, which will give courts an extensive variety of options to target the causes of road safety breaches and foster a 'culture of compliance' within the industry.
Alternative ways will be investigated for providing vehicle inspection services for trucks so that the roadworthiness of the vehicle fleet is improved.
31 Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System
1.15 Improve rail safety
South Australia retains a good overall safety record on its rural and metropolitan rail networks, despite the October 2002 Salisbury level crossing crash.
However, the Government seeks a zero fatality rate on its rail system. The Government will continue to encourage private industry adherence to rail safety legislation, requiring compliance through the regular auditing processes by the State's Rail Operations and Safety Group. Funding will be provided to improve the safety of pedestrian crossings on railway lines.
Many of the State's rail safety issues occur at the road-rail interface. As a result, metropolitan Adelaide's rail level crossings will be made safer through better use of technology to manage traffic at crossings and improved infrastructure treatments to minimise the potential for conflicts.
The Government will address level crossing issues, for both metropolitan Adelaide and rural South Australia, by funding an annual Rail Level Crossing Safety Program.
1.16 Maintain safe waterways and airports
With an increased focus on South Australia as a tourist destination and with a population that enjoys making use of its lakes, rivers and beaches, the Government is committed to ensuring South Australia's marine transport safety performance continues to be good, with minimal instances of fatalities or serious injuries.
Safety issues in the marine environment are primarily focused on recreational fishing from boats and the use of jet skis.
The Government will continue to require Transport SA's Marine Safety Group to patrol South Australia's major waterways undertaking spot checks and safety inspections. This function will be augmented by an increased role in marine transport safety education programs. A specific area of focus in the short term will be to further regulate the safe use of jet skis.
32 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN The Department of Transport and Urban Planning is also working with Primary Industries and Resources SA to enable fisheries compliance officers to assist with enforcement and detection of unsafe behaviour on the waterways. A broader Marine Group provides an environmental clean-up capacity in the event of oil spills and other marine incidents.
The Government will continue to require a licence for the use of motorised boats and will look at enhancing the safety related questions posed at the theoretical test. Annual boat licence renewals may be introduced to ensure all users of the waterways are regularly made aware of the safety requirements for operating a recreational boat.
Through involvement in the National Marine Safety Committee, the Government will continue to support national initiatives for the uniform adoption of best practice through State marine legislation and administrative practices.
The Government recognises the importance of navigational aids and marine infrastructure such as boat ramps, jetties and piers in the safe use of the State's waterways.
Similarly, commercial fishing and shipping operators are valued users of the marine system and the Government will continue to take a lead role in ensuring the integrity of the State's key ports, requiring safety to be a key feature of all ships wishing to use South Australian ports and waterways.
Considerable work has been done in the area of marine safety to further improve effectiveness of marine safety initiatives in South Australia. The Government will ensure a Marine Safety Strategy is developed that will take into account the State's unique requirements, while continuing to support the national reforms and adoption of national best practice standards.
The Government will continue to take a keen interest in and monitor the Federal Government's role in ensuring aviation safety. South Australia's Department of Transport and Urban Planning will continue to identify maintenance needs of airstrips and airports owned by the State Government, local governments and Community Progress Associations.
1.17 Address transport security
The events of 11 September, 2001 have highlighted the importance of transport security. Tighter legislation has been introduced around the world for movement of goods and people, particularly through airports and ports.
South Australia needs to be ready to respond to legislative changes to sea and airport security likely to emerge in the near future. The State also needs to take its own steps to ensure the security of its transport system.
South Australia needs to be vigilant and the Government will respond by establishing a Transport Security Council, which will assess the current status of our major transport infrastructure, and provide an annual security assessment to the Minister for Transport.
33 Public Transport in Adelaide - Reaching its Potential
DI RECTI ONS FOR PUBU C TRANSPORT
The Government's strategy for public transport policy will:
• Improve the quality and frequency of public transport services to attract patronage, enhance social inclusion and improve the environment.
• Make better use of current public transport assets.
« Reduce the unit cost of public transport to allow the introduction of increased services.
• Give priority to public transport over other road traffic.
• Integrate public transport with urban development to facilitate its use and to enhance urban amenity.
TARGETS
Increase the use of public transport to 10% of weekday passenger travel by 2018.
By 2018, a regular passenger transport service available within 500 metres of 90% of homes in built-up areas, and services no longer than 30 minutes apart during weekdays and 60 minutes apart on weekends and at night.
STRATEGY
Challenges
Public transport is an essential urban service. An estimated 25% of people in Adelaide catch a bus, train or tram at least once a week.
It is the Government's aim to re-establish public transport as a major mode of metropolitan travel, because of the substantial community benefits that can be gained from replacing private motor vehicle trips with public transport trips. More travel by public transport and less by car results in reduced traffic congestion, crashes and pollution.
Importantly, it enables people who would otherwise have limited mobility to better participate in community life. About 130,000 people in Adelaide who are over 16 years of age do not have a driving licence. Older people, children and young people, and people unable to drive due to disabilities, can gain better access to the wider metropolitan area through the public transport system.
It also provides travel flexibility as an alternative for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. For many families, it makes the purchase of a second car unnecessary.
Public transport plays an important role in supporting the role and function of the City of Adelaide. One-fifth of all trips to the city are made on public transport. During peak periods, buses carry over half of the people on major streets in the city centre while representing only 8% of vehicle movements.
Taxis and Access Cabs, hire cars and for-hire bus services fulfil transport demands not met by private vehicles or the regular public transport system. Regulation of these services is desirable to ensure they offer a safe service to the community. A challenge is to make more effective use of the full complement of passenger transport resources that are available to the community, including taxis, hire cars, chartered buses and other Government vehicles used for education and health services.
34 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Public transport patronage rose by 9% between 2000 and 2003, reversing a 20-year decline. Contributing factors include the introduction of Go Zones, new and extended routes, increased frequency of service across the network, proactive marketing, improved customer service and a rise in petrol prices.
However, while this growth in patronage compares favourably with other Australian cities, the proportion of trips by public transport in Adelaide is low by comparison with reported shares of 11% in Sydney, 9% in Melbourne and 7% in Brisbane and Perth. The target is to double the 5% share in Adelaide to 10% by 2018.
Despite improvements, public transport services have not kept pace with the outward growth of urban development, the greater variability in work hours and location of jobs and the extension of shopping hours.
Adelaide has substantial public transport assets, with a replacement value of $1.35 billion. These include:
• $880 million for the train system.
• $60 million for the tram system.
• $390 million for buses, bus depots and the Adelaide O-Bahn.
® $20 million for other assets such as the ticketing system.
To sustain the current system, and then go on to meet the targets of this plan, major investment will be needed in the next 15 years to replace aged public transport assets. About half of the investment will be needed for the train and tram system, and the remainder for the bus system and for replacement of the ticketing system.
The public transport challenge, on the supply side, is to develop the network and service strategies, and fund the key infrastructure upgrades that will be needed to lift the public transport system to a level that can carry 10% or more of all weekday trips. The demand side challenge is to raise awareness of the personal and societal benefits of using public transport and to successfully promote the increased services.
Responses
It was proposed in the draft plan to review the use of the dedicated public transport corridors, including consideration of options that could replace the passenger rail system, such as busways. With substantial investment required to sustain the passenger rail network, it was hypothesised that an alternative, cheaper system might be possible, thus releasing more funds for service improvements.
However, the overwhelming response from the community favoured keeping and supporting the suburban rail system. In addition, a solution that removed the metropolitan rail network would severely restrict the opportunities to achieve a shift of freight from road to rail, a key target of the plan that offers environmental, congestion and safety benefits.
One of the most important elements in the Government's response to public transport challenges is to give public transport the priority in the transport system that has been lacking. Responses here range from the active promotion of development in locations well served by public transport (through the Metropolitan Planning Strategy) to giving buses priority on arterial roads.
There are still opportunities to better integrate passenger transport systems. Regional Community Passenger Networks have led the way in drawing fully on available local transport resources. Within the metropolitan public transport system there will be better integration between community, health and education transport, with services provided by regular public transport, taxis, hire cars and charter buses.
35 J Public Transport in Adelaide - • Reaching its Potential
The major investment in public transport infrastructure that is needed over the life of the plan will be committed in ways that create opportunities for multiple benefits. For instance, standardisation of the suburban rail system opens up the potential to move more freight by rail and also for the operation of both light and heavy rail on the network. The development of train-bus interchanges adds to the connectivity between the two systems, increases choices for passengers and encourages transit-focused urban development.
Interstate and overseas experiences point to the value of retaining public control of the overall operation of the public transport system. However, to lift the performance of the system to a higher level, it may be necessary to generate investment over and above what can be provided directly from the government budget, identify additional revenue sources and direct transport-related levies and charges into the public transport system.
The levels of public transport service in outer areas need to be improved in terms of coverage and frequency, and there are significant variations in level of service across the metropolitan area. It is, however, feasible to set a second target to achieve a minimum level of service frequency within reasonable walking distance of at least 90% of metropolitan households.
It will be necessary to continue the significant improvements in customer service and promotions that have been achieved in recent years.
The Government's principal public transport initiatives for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next two pages, and described in this chapter.
These initiatives are strengthened by those in the chapters titled Environmental & Social Sustainability (travel behaviour change programs), land use and public transport integration (to create more transit-focused environments), Walking and Cycling (better integration with public transport), Maximising its Value (Transit Way program), and Regional Access (passenger transport networks).
H ssenqe'r
Reqular/busKjr AdolaidelO-'Bahn Glenelg'Tram^iTmm-
-^odflungCand.Gawler, J^wggharbojpl £Bela 3f400
2(1) Costjqf vehicfes'ana operating decline
caused
36 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN SUrVWIARY OF PRI fyO PAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT INITIATIVES
Make best use of dedicated public transport corridors Install new concrete sleepers on metropolitan rail lines 130 Adelaide Light Rail extensions to Outer Harbor 180 Electrification of the rail system 85 j 2.2 Increase asset investment i Critical assets - bridges, tracks, points and embankments 1 24 I
Bus replacement program 1 300 j Rail car refurbishment 1 77 j ®
2.3 Improve interchanges, stations and stops Upgrade/New Interchanges:
Mawson Lakes 1 8 j • Oaklands Park 2 4 | Bedford Park 2 24 | • Football Park 3 2 j ® Expand Park'n'Ride facilities: Brighton, Noarlunga, Salisbury, Elizabeth, Smithfield 7 i w Increase parking at interchanges along the O-Bahn 2 8 I Shelter, timetable and route information at bus and trams stops 1 15 | ® Improve interstate rail passenger terminal 1 •n Ha (costs to be determined following investigations) 2.4 Upgrade the Glenelg tramline | Stage 1: Glenelg-Victoria Square 1 56 | • Stage 2: Victoria Square-North Terrace 1 40 I • 2.5 Improve local passenger transport services 370 j m Improve service coverage to suburbs with no service 1 Improve cross suburban links 1 Improve services for extended shopping hours 1 Progressively upgrade train frequencies, particularly off-peak 1 Improve integration of all forms of passenger transport 1
Trial innovative services Pre-booked services, bikes on buses, express trains etc. 2 10 | @
2.7 Improve public safety and security (lighting, signs etc) Video surveillance, lighting station environs, GPS tracking etc. 1 30 | $
2.8 Make public transport fully accessible system to mobility impaired people Upgrade public transport facilities to meet Disability I Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements 1 55 | Audit the public transport system for DDA compliance 1 •
37 ; - ft Public Transport in Adelaide - l|f|f ^ Reaching its Potential
.9 Upgrade the ticketing system I Introduce a new contactless ticketing system j 20
2.10 Extend the realtime passenger information system ! Roll out an integrated real time passenger information system j 15
2.11 Introduce new Go Zones j More Go Zones & Go Stations j 30
2.12 Introduce more public transport priority j
(refer Maximising Us Value chapter 7 for priority, costs and timing) \
) 2.13 Better integrate public transport and j urban development j i 40 Upgrade stations and areas around community facilities j
2.14 Investigate adoption of car parking levies
2.15 Improve the Access Cab system j Monitor and improve the performance of the access cab system; 2.16 Work with the taxi industry j Optimise the contribution of the taxi industry L •
# All or mainly State Government funding
;4 Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private7sector)
• All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources.
* Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million.
Notes:
• The chart shows:
• - the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the targets, and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6);
- the estimated total cost of initiatives; and
- the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution.
• The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process.
• The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.
• Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport.
• Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date.
• The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives.
• The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years.
• For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding.
38 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Barossa Valley
ADELAIDE 1TR0P PUBLIC TR NSPORT STRATEGY Gawler
SmiWnWd Re-sleepering the metropolitan rail network
alisbury
Adelaide Light Rail Extension to Outer Harbor awsdn La Interchanges, Stations & Stops New & improved interchanges, •;Modbury upgraded stations and better shelters, timetable and route information at bus Port Adela & tram stops. Expanded Parking 'n' Ride facilities Arndale West Lakes Paradise Klemzig
Upgrade the Glenelg Tramline Keswick Rai Glenelg Tram Extension Creating a link through King William New, fully accessible, air-conditioned Street to the Railway Station trams with upgraded infrastructure
State Government Maintained Road Glenelg
Existing Urban Area Oaklands Park Stirling Mar ark Suburban Passenger Rail Blackwood Brighton Tram
O-Bahn Mt Ba r^^ •Aberfoyle Park Other Rail Hallet Cove Beach Urban Containment Boundary Old Reynella General Improvements Planning SA - Metropolitan Boundary ¥ Electrification of the passenger rail system ¥ Investment in critical assets such as bridges, tracks, points and embankments Airport Noarlunga ¥ New fully accessible buses Seaport ¥ Train refurbishment ¥ Improved services in the outer northern and outer Existing Go Zone southern suburbs Opportunity for interchange ¥ Progressive upgrading of train frequencies, particularly in the off peak Improved link ¥ Expanded safety program, including better lighting at interchanges and stations Improved Service Coverage O ¥ Upgraded facilities for the mobility impaired Major Public Transport Node ¥ Introduce a new ticketing system ¥ Expand the real time passenger information system ¥ New Go Zones and Go Stations ¥ Expanded priority for buses ¥ Integrating public transport and urban development ¥ Access Cab improvements ¥ Optimise the contribution of taxi services 39 Ijijfiij
Public Transport in Adelaide - Reaching its Potential
PUBL! C TRANSPORT INITI ATI VES
2.1 Make best use of the dedicated public transport corridors
Adelaide has a long-standing and strategically important network of dedicated public transport corridors across the metropolitan area - the railway and tram corridors, and the O-Bahn. These currently operate at quite different levels of service and most have received limited investment over many years. There has not been a major review of their operational efficiency and effectiveness for many years despite the scale of change in the movement, land use, social and economic patterns around them over the last 50 years.
A strategy for the future development of the corridors (infrastructure, services, linkages, associated land use development) will be produced so that their role in meeting Transport Plan targets and Metropolitan Planning Strategy directions can be maximised.
The investigation can be expected to cover:
• corridor linkages with the wider transport • improved links between the rail system network and major centres where these are poorly
• stations and environs located in relation to stations • rail track concrete resleeping and * potential re-use of disused corridors standardisation • rail/road freight inter-modal terminals
» transit-focused development • interstate trains and the passenger rail • implications of corridor infrastructure terminal improvements for service frequencies • rationalisation of sidings and depots
• development opportunities on/above • accessory uses of the corridors - for corridor land electronic communications, cabling, • electrification footpaths and bikeways
• options for accommodating park'n'ride * amenity " urban desi9n and vegetation facilities while also intensifying (including tree planting as part of the carbon- development neutral public transport fleet objective)
• train/bus interchanges # removal of anV duplication between train and bus services • extensions to the light rail line, including on-street operation
The Government commits to consultation with the community in this investigation.
2.2 Increase asset investment over the life of the plan
It is not possible to sustain the current public transport system with the low level of capital investment that has occurred in the past 25 years. In effect, investment in public infrastructure has been limited to a minimal bus replacement program aimed at preventing the oldest buses from exceeding the statutory 25-year age limit. There has been minimal investment in the train and tram systems.
Within the constraints of responsible financial management the Government will be looking to increase capital investment to a level that is necessary to ensure Adelaide has a public transport system that provides an attractive alternative to cars and which meets the needs of those who cannot afford to operate cars. This will be delivered by cost- effective spending that involves private sector investment and skills, where appropriate, and realising efficiencies, where possible.
40 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 2.3 Improve interchanges, stations and stops
Interchanges
Drawcards for increasing the use of public transport include upgraded interchanges, stations and stops. Extending these from basic public transport assets into community- focused hubs at which other services are also provided will increase the integration of transport and land use and the attractiveness and security of public transport.
Opportunities exist for major new bus-train interchanges for the metropolitan area to provide more integrated and effective services.
As part of the joint Government-private sector development of Mawson Lakes a bus-train interchange will be constructed to serve the Mawson Lakes development, the university campus, and surrounding suburbs in the western and eastern parts of the City of Salisbury.
Another opportunity exists for a bus-train interchange in the north-east corner of the Sturt Triangle at Bedford Park. Bus services coming from the growing outer southern suburbs would carry people to the interchange and other services in the region would be extended to the interchange to increase the number of locations that can be reached by public transport.
An opportunity for a new bus-train interchange also exists at Oaklands Park.
The Football Park bus interchange will also be expanded to cater for the growing demand for Footy Express services, which run during the 22 weeks of the AFL football calendar. These carry more than 10% of the football crowd in an average week.
Park and Ride
Additional parking spaces will be provided at public transport interchanges, stops and stations. The car park at Paradise Interchange on the Adelaide O-Bahn is the largest in the public transport system but faces demand that exceeds the current 500 spaces. More parking will be provided for users of this interchange. Consideration will be given to ways of improving security for cars parked at interchanges.
Stations and Stops
Currently, 3,500 bus and tram stops have shelters and timetable and route information. This program will be expanded with the objective of providing information at the 4,000 busiest stops in Adelaide and contact information at all 7,500 stops by 2005. It is planned to erect shelters at all major boarding stops by 2010. Train stations will be improved through a continuing program of refurbishment.
Keswick Rail Terminal
The Government will work in partnership with Great Southern Railway Limited and other stakeholders to investigate the options for upgrading the existing interstate passenger rail terminal at Keswick and the better integration of this service with the metropolitan public transport system.
41 Public Transport in Adelaide - Reaching its Potential
2.4 Upgrade the Glenelg tramline
The current Glenelg trams are 74 years old, well in excess of a normal life expectancy of 30-40 years. Costly periodic overhauls mean the trams are expensive to operate and maintain, they do not offer a high level of comfort for passengers and cannot meet the provisions of the Commonwealth's Disability Discrimination Act.
The Government is investing in new, fully accessible, air-conditioned trams for the Glenelg line and the upgrading of fixed infrastructure such as the track and stops. These new trams are expected to come into service during 2005. In view of the iconic significance of the existing trams, the Government will retain some historical tramcars for tourism and cultural purposes.
The Government will give further consideration to extension of the line and to ways in which light rail can play a more significant role in the public transport network. A key consideration will be the potential to extend the tram along King William Street, thereby removing a potential bottleneck for buses and connecting the tram with the Adelaide Railway Station.
2.5 Improve passenger transport services
Constrained funding in the past has resulted in bus service introduction not keeping pace with societal changes. Consequently there are inconsistent levels of service in different suburbs with similar characteristics. Services generally operate on a very restricted basis outside Monday to Saturday, 7.00am-7.00pm.
Public transport service improvements, such as new or extended routes, increased frequencies and extended hours of operation, involve relatively low recurrent annual funding compared with the significant costs involved in major new infrastructure projects, and have been found to be very effective.
Improvements in people's ability to access services in the outer northern and outer southern suburbs of Adelaide over the next five years will be made as a high priority, to help meet the Government's social inclusion objectives.
It is acknowledged that there is a strong community demand for improved train frequencies, particularly in off-peak periods. Services on the rail system will be progressively updated, with frequency and speed improvements being the prime objectives. Reopening of closed stations will be unlikely as such action would be inconsistent with these objectives.
The Government will pursue opportunities to better integrate the Adelaide Metro public transport system with other Government and community bus services, taxis and hire cars, building on experience gained in regional South Australia with integrated passenger networks (refer Regional Access chapter4, section 4.2).
42 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN A longer-term initiative for local travel will be introduced to focus on more efficient and responsive provision of services which meet the specific needs of sections of the community, such as older people.
Considering the challenges posed within the Generational Health Review, public transport and health service provision need to better integrate. This will involve improved links with health services at local, State and Federal levels.
2.6 Trial innovative services
People's travel behaviour and needs change. Ensuring flexibility within the public transport system is another challenge, which, if met, will help secure patronage increases.
There is a continual need to test new service concepts that can better meet the travel needs of the community and attract more people to public transport. Recent innovations include the Roam Zone services, which use smaller buses to deliver people to their front door - it's a service that travels through suburban streets offering a higher level of service than the traditional public transport that uses conventional fixed routes.
A rolling innovation program will be implemented over 15 years to identify and trial new, non-traditional services. Examples could include:
• the greater use of small buses
• express trains
• pre-booked services
• services that better meet individual needs and address cross-suburban travel demands
• greater acceptance of bikes on public transport
• making entertainment, food and drink available close to public transport
Successful trials will be extended to the entire public transport system. Community, industry and others will be encouraged to propose and test innovative ideas and work cooperatively to deliver them.
2.7 Improve safety and security for public transport users
Community responses have shown a concern to see significant further improvements in safety for public transport users. The Government will progressively expand its safety program, including:
• On-board security staff and staff at selected stations and interchanges.
• Video surveillance.
• All public transport vehicles included in the Government radio network, and the extension of the availability of mobile phones to passengers on all public transport vehicles at night.
• Better design of interchanges and urban environments, including better lighting and safe access to and from the public transport vehicle.
• A real-time passenger information system that includes a duress alarm that indicates the location of the public transport vehicle.
43 Public Transport in Adelaide Reaching its Potential
2.8 Make public transport fully accessible
Adelaide has an ageing population so public transport needs to be accessible for older people as well as for people with disabilities, parents with prams, people laden with shopping, and people whose mobility is temporarily impaired.
Ensuring full accessibility is already underway. All new buses have low floors and ramps for people in wheelchairs. The new trams will have low floors at the same height as most of the boarding platforms. This program will be continued over the next 15 years to improve the accessibility of the public transport system in accordance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Regular auditing for compliance with the Act will also be introduced.
The Government will also work with local governments to ensure people with disabilities can use footpaths to access public transport.
As infrastructure is upgraded, facilities such as recorded voice announcements of stops will be incorporated where appropriate, while drivers and conductors will receive accredited disability awareness training to ensure appropriate assistance can be given to public transport customers.
2.9 Upgrade the ticketing system
Better ticketing makes it easier to use public transport. The current ticketing system is nearing the end of its economic life and needs to be replaced by about 2007. The integrated ticketing system has performed well allowing passengers to use multi-trip tickets and transfer between public transport services.
A new system will allow further convenience and flexibility to be introduced. Features are likely to include contact-less tickets, which need not even be removed from wallets or handbags, as well as increased versatility in ticket purchase for different fare categories. The new system will require an education program that increases understanding of the whole public transport system. Infrequent public transport users in general need more information and assistance to demystify ticketing and the operations of public transport.
44 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 2.10 Extend the real-time passenger information system
Real-time passenger information (using global positioning technology) has been introduced in Adelaide along the east-west bus route from Henley Beach through to The Parade at Norwood. Signs have been provided at 35 stops along this route to indicate the expected time of arrival of buses, providing greater assurance for waiting passengers that the bus is on the way, and potentially encouraging new users onto public transport. The information is linked with traffic signals so that buses running behind schedule are given priority through intersections.
If the system proves sufficiently valuable, it will be extended. The system will complement upgraded information to be provided on trains through an on-board passenger information system, and improve coordination of public transport services at interchanges.
2.11 Introduce new Go Zones
Go Zones have services at least every 15 minutes from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. Services on Go Zones at night, weekends and public holidays are every 30 minutes until 10pm and hourly thereafter. There are currently 18 Go Zones.
The improved frequency of service and marketing of Go Zones has increased patronage. The success of the Go Zone system will be built on by extending some current Go Zones, upgrading services to major train stations to Go Zone standard, and introducing Go Zones on new sections of road. It is planned that public transport services on an additional 70km of road and at 22 stations will be upgraded to Go Zone standard over the next 10 years, with further extensions to follow.
2.12 Introduce more public transport priority
Trains and trams are generally given priority over road traffic, and hence are not substantially affected by road traffic. However, bus services are increasingly influenced by traffic congestion, which slows services and makes the timing more variable and thus less attractive.
Buses and trams are more efficient than private vehicles in the use of road space and warrant prioritisation on the road network.
Bus movement will be helped by:
• Providing more bus lanes, especially on the approach to intersections.
• Extending clearway hours.
• Taking account of bus needs in the design of road projects.
• Introducing an extensive program of Transitways that include bus priority, bus lanes and high-occupancy vehicle express lanes (refer also Maximising its Value chapter 7, section 7.2)
• Working with the City of Adelaide to reduce the impact of traffic congestion on bus and tram movement around the city centre.
45 Public Transport in Adelaide - :^fe0#y ^ Reaching its Potential
When extended to the entire bus system, the real-time passenger information system will enable priority to be given to buses at many traffic signals in Adelaide.
Bus priority also will be improved through the creation of bus lanes for buses to bypass traffic congestion. The development of alternative freight routes will allow the role of Main North Road to be focused on passenger travel needs, including greater provision of bus priority along the road.
2.13 Better integrate public transport and urban development
Public transport service provision has not always been well integrated with land use. Often this is because development decisions are made with insufficient consideration of public transport. The result can be separation of centres from stations, and stops or stations that are not easily accessed from local residential areas.
The effectiveness and attractiveness of public transport will be improved by:
• Ensuring that public transport is considered as part of urban planning rather than being accommodated as an afterthought.
• Encouraging local government to promote the role of public transport in urban planning by: - improving the layout and design of suburban neighbourhoods to increase accessibility to public transport; and - encouraging increased population density in the vicinity of major public transport stops.
• Ensuring that public transport is explicitly considered when formulating and assessing development proposals or changes such as extended shopping hours.
• Pursuing urban design improvements in areas around railway stations.
» Exploring public transport opportunities to complement and further drive urban regeneration in Adelaide's north-western suburbs.
» Considering the option of requiring land developers to contribute to the cost of establishing public transport services to their development.
• Reducing car parking requirements for retail developments.
46 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 2.14 Investigate adoption of car parking levies
Provision of a large amount of car parking at major centres encourages car use, and consequently heavy traffic volumes. The resulting congestion creates delays and irregular travel time for buses. Perth and Sydney have introduced a levy on car parking in selected areas as a travel demand management measure with proceeds being reinvested into public transport.
The Government will monitor car parking levies elsewhere in Australia and overseas, with the view to considering the introduction of such a levy in the City of Adelaide and at major suburban shopping centres. The social impacts of such a levy will be investigated prior to its introduction. Revenue from the levy would be directly channelled into improving public transport to these locations.
2.15 Improve the Access Cab system
The effectiveness of Access Cabs was previously hindered by poor response times to passenger bookings. The Government has since turned this around. The Government is constantly monitoring the scheme and will continue to refine the service to substantially improve its performance, by working with users of the system and identifying best practice.
2.16 Work with the taxi industry
Taxis carry over eight million passenger journeys per annum. They provide a flexible, on- demand, door-to-door service. Using LPG and fitted with video surveillance and GPS, taxis now offer better safety of travel and improved environmental performance.
The Government is committed to supporting good customer service by the taxi industry. Every three months representatives of the taxi industry meet with the Premier and Minister for Transport to identify and discuss key issues of strategic importance to the industry through the Premier's Taxi Council. The council's charter includes recognition and development of the role of the taxi industry in both the public transport and tourism arenas, and examination of the present regulatory environment including the creation of a 'one stop shop' for the industry.
The Government will not issue additional taxi plates in its current term. In the longer term there will be a need to monitor taxi use to ensure that there are sufficient taxis to meet demand. The Government is committed to support the industry through training and ensuring that high standards of service, vehicle presentation and driver capability are maintained by the industry itself, rather than by enforcement. Taxis carrying passengers will be favoured road users and assisted to improve customer service by using transit lanes.
47 Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs - Maintaining Freight Competitiveness
DIRECTIONS FOR FREIGKT TRANSPORT
The Government's strategy for freight will:
• Expand South Australia's economy and employment through efficient freight transport and improved international links.
• Maximise the use of rail and sea transport.
• Minimise the impact of freight on the community.
• Support the private sector to implement best practice freight logistics.
TARGET
More efficient freight movement, and a 15% increase in mode share of interstate freight transported by rail and sea by 2018.
STRATEGY
Challenges
Improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of freight transport will make South Australia more competitive, support employment growth, and improve community access to affordable freight services. South Australian producers and manufacturers are increasingly seeking direct international services to reduce the time and cost of getting their goods to markets and to maximise the quality of delivered products.
Freight movement is expected to grow. The main bottlenecks in South Australia are in metropolitan Adelaide. While the city has a fully developed arterial road network, congestion has been increasing. Congestion can, however, be reduced without the need for expensive and socially divisive new freeways by well-targeted investment in road and intersection upgrades.
There are also a number of challenges in regional South Australia, particularly associated with the role of rail. The broad gauge metropolitan, Barossa, Mid-North and South East rail networks are isolated from the standard gauge interstate network. Ownership of rail lines is diverse, there are few terminals feeding the standard gauge network and train capacity is limited on some lines by the strength of the track.
While efficient freight movement is vital to the economy, communities are increasingly concerned about the safe operation of freight transport as well as the impacts of freight operations, freight terminals and freight corridors, particularly in urban areas. Community feedback on the draft Transport Plan showed strong support for moving freight onto rail and away from residential areas, as ways of managing the social and environmental impacts of freight transport on local communities. Shifting the freight mode share towards sea and rail is one means of reducing these impacts.
Innovative approaches need to be considered to reduce undesirable impacts on communities and the environment, while not compromising freight efficiency.
48 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Responses
Export freight is mainly channelled through Outer Harbor and the regional ports, making high quality transport links to the ports a priority. An integrated 'Northern Ports Access' response is proposed that involves upgrading access to the Port of Adelaide by sea, road and rail. For sea transport, the key is the ability for larger vessels to access the container terminal and bulk berths, requiring channel deepening and port terminal upgrades.
A linked series of expressway projects is proposed to significantly improve access to Outer Harbor from the north (Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Darwin, Regional SA) and in the process take freight traffic off Main North Road and the Salisbury Highway, and away from Port Adelaide, supporting its regeneration as a major urban centre.
The proposed Port Adelaide rail bridge and associated rail track improvements will similarly improve rail access to Outer Harbor.
Interstate and most regional freight routes enter Adelaide from the north and east. These freight movements can be most effectively facilitated if they are channelled onto roads that have been specifically upgraded to accommodate freight movement.
Completion of work on the Outer Ring Route will serve to efficiently channel road freight from the east (Regional SA and Victoria) through the metropolitan area and to Outer Harbor with least adverse impact. Further investment to remove remaining bottlenecks on the Inner Ring Route will take more freight out of the city centre and assist in the distribution of freight to inner city destinations and the western and north western industrial areas.
The long term strategic aim for rail is to develop a connected metropolitan, regional and interstate standard gauge network, capable of supporting the axle weights and lengths of modern freight trains, and accessed via inter-modal terminals that will facilitate rapid transhipment from road to rail and vice versa.
The development of much of this infrastructure needs to be driven by the private sector with Commonwealth support, with the South Australian Government playing a facilitation role and assisting with infrastructure connections as necessary.
A more interconnected rail network has the potential to remove many thousands of truck movements off the State's roads.
The location of major metropolitan industrial areas in a broadly north-south alignment to the west of the city centre results in substantial demand for freight movement along this axis, to take freight to the port, out of Adelaide to the North and to distribute it within the metropolitan area. A series of strategic upgrades along the existing South Road and Marion-Holbrooks-Hanson Road corridors will greatly increase the capacity of this axis without the massive costs and disruption of a north-south motorway.
The Government's principal freight initiatives for the next 1 5 years are summarised in the chart on the next two pages, and described in this chapter.
These initiatives are strengthened by those in the chapters titled Environmental and Social Sustainability (minimising freight impacts), Regional Access (infrastructure projects), Safety (measures to improve road and rail safety), Maximising Its Value (better maintenance of transport infrastructure), and Smarter Spending.
49 "^^VvCiTf Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs f^li^ 1 Maintaining Freight Competitiveness
SUIVIWVRY OF FREIGKT INITIATIVES
Funding Freight Initiatives Source
3.1 Improve international links Deepen the Outer Harbor channel 55 | A New multi user integrated terminal at Adelaide Airport 260 • Work with private sector to increase air and container
shipping services * 1 JBm Dry Creek - Outer Harbor rail track improvements 13 | •
3.2 Improve inter-regional and interstate rail freight links Standardisation of rail networks for freight - Metropolitan network (refer a/so Public Transport chapter 2) 32 | • Mid-North rail network 14 | • South East rail network 10 • Extend rail line to Roxby Downs 50 | • Upgrade Eyre peninsula rail network • (costs to be determined following investigation) ' Upgrade the efficiency of the Adelaide-Melbourne rail corridor 300 t n
j 3.3 Support intermodal freight terminals j Develop strategic inter-modal freight terminal program * | • I New strategic intermodal freight terminals 50 I n Connections to strategic intermodal freight terminals 10 | • I 3.4 Keep road freight moving | NORTHERN PORT ACCESS Port River Expressway Stage 7: Expressway 84 | A Stage 2: Third River Crossing road bridge 59 | A Stage 3: Third River Crossing rail bridge 77 | A i—i Pt Wakefield Road upgrading: Salisbury Hwy-Angle Vale Rd I IU | u I Sturt Highway Extension: Gawler - Pt Wakefield Rd 190 | • NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR South Road (Port Road - Torrens Road) 42 | A South Road, Wingfield railway crossing grade separation 30 | A Holbrooks Road / Hanson Road corridor upgrading 106 | • Further South Road intersection upgrades 45 | A
INNER RING ROUTE City West Connector Stage 7: South Road - Sir Donald Bradman Drive 5 I • Stage 2: Sir Donald Bradman Drive - Port Road 16 | • Bakewell Bridge replacement 30 • Britannia Roundabout 9 • Fitzroy Terrace upgrading to six lanes 3 •
50 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN St*
Freight Initiatives
NATIONAL HIGHWAY AND REGIONAL ROADS Sturt Highway upgrading Overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing on regional arterial roads (refer Regional Access, chapter 4 for priority, costings and liming)
OUTER RING ROUTE (NATIONAL HIGHWAY URBAN LINK) Portrush Road upgrading Hampstead Road upgrading Gepps Cross intersection
3.5 Strengthen Government-industry links Work with peak industry bodies such as the SA Freight Council
• All or mainly State Government funding
A Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector)
• All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources.
• Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million.
Notes:
• The chart shows:
- the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target.s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6);
- the estimated total cost of initiatives; and
- the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. ,
• The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process.
• The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.
• Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport.
• Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date.
• The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives.
• The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years.
• For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding.
51 52 SOUTH AUSTRAUAN TRANSPORT PLAN Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs Maintaining Freight Competitiveness
Barossa Valley MET OPOLITAN ADE FREI HT INITIATIVE Sturt Highway upgrading Improve the safety and efficiency of Adelaide - Darwin Rail Line road access to Sydney and Brisbane Facilitating opportunities for freight export to South East Asia and tourism to northern Australia Gawler
Northern Port Access Road, rail and seaport improvements for the export of grain and other bulk commodities from Regional SA
Potential Northern Intermodal Freight Terminal
Encourage the creation of an intermodal freight Rail Gauge Standardisation terminal to provide rail access from the north and Standardisation of metropolitan west industrial sectors Elizabeth & mid-north rail lines to facilitate a shift of freight from road to rail
Deepen Outer Harbor Channel Increased opportunity for direct export from Adelaide
Dry Creek to Outer Harbor track improvements and Third River Crossing rail bridge QModbury
Outer Ring Route • Links Adelaide - Craters Highway Port Adelaide with National Highway to Sydney North South Corridor and Perth and also Port Adelaide Upgrade capacity of parallel roads to form the primary access for commercial traffic between the northern and southern suburbs
Inner Ring Route New Adelaide Airport Terminal Provides accessibility across the metropolitan area by bypassing the city
State Government Maintained Road
Existing Urban Area
Urban Containment Boundary
Planning SA - Metropolitan Boundary Adelaide - Melbourne Rail Corridor Upgrade rail corridor to improve the Regional Activity Centre efficiency of freight access to or from regional SA & Melbourne Strategic Freight & Passenger Rail Potential Southern Intermodal Rail Gauge Standardisation Freight Terminal Upgraded Freight Rail Line Encourage the creation of an intermodal freight terminal to provide Northern Port Access rail access from the southern vales NoarlungaO North South Corridor
Inner & Outer Ring Routes
Existing Intermodal terminal
o
52 S0UTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN FREIGHT INITIATIVES
3.1 Improve international links
The Government will continue to work with the private sector to increase air and container shipping services. It regards the privately financed project of the development of a multi• user integrated terminal at Adelaide Airport as a high priority. The deepening of the channel at Outer Harbor to accommodate deeper draught vessels will significantly increase the competitiveness of the port, and is a high priority project.
The Dry Creek to Outer Harbor rail track improvements, including the Port River Expressway rail bridge, are part of the Northern Port Access strategy. They will increase the efficiency of the Port, particularly for the export of grain and other bulk commodities, and are a high priority.
The Government will pursue opportunities to maximise the benefit to the State of the Adelaide-Darwin railway.
Improved land access to ports and better inter-modal facilities will also enhance key regional ports, particularly Port Lincoln, Port Giles, Ardrossan, Wallaroo, Port Pirie, Thevenard and Whyalla. The Government will support councils with applications to the Commonwealth Government for funding to upgrade roads leading to regional ports.
3.2 Improve inter-regional and interstate rail freight links
Changes in the rail industry have resulted in lower rail costs and increased competitiveness. Rail is most competitive in moving bulk goods over long distances, and mode shifts to rail will be most effectively achieved through improvements to inter-regional and interstate services.
The State Government will work with key partners, including the Commonwealth Government and the Australian Rail Track Corporation to upgrade rail links, ensure that national rail reform is delivered and that rail network integration is achieved.
The current Adelaide-Melbourne train line is constrained in the Adelaide Hills by tunnels, steep grades and tight curves. The Government will promote upgrading the line between Murray Bridge and Adelaide as a long-term project, to achieve a significant improvement in interstate rail efficiency and use.
The privately financed construction of the Roxby Downs railway will facilitate export growth without increasing the load on the outback road network, and is considered a high priority. Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs - Maintaining Freight Competitiveness
The Government will continue to explore alternative options for the delivery of the South¬ East Rail project as part of a broader Green Triangle rail project, to facilitate economic growth in the Lower South East region. This is a high priority.
The conversion of the metropolitan and Mid-North rail networks to standard gauge will be pursued and encouraged, to provide a more comprehensive rail freight system, giving better access for interstate and regional freight trains to metropolitan terminals, facilitating regional exports and delivering rail operating efficiencies (refer also Public Transport chapter 2). Options for upgrading the Eyre Peninsula narrow gauge rail network will also be investigated and encouraged.
3.3 Support inter-modal freight terminals
The effectiveness of inter-modal terminals where freight is transferred between modes, in both Adelaide and regional South Australia, is vital to the success of rail, sea and air freight transport. It also supports the objective of encouraging a shift of freight from road to rail and sea transport. A dialogue with industry owners of transport terminals will be maintained to ensure that transport infrastructure decisions are coordinated.
The Government will initiate a Strategic Inter-modal Freight Terminal Program. The further development of the existing terminals at Adelaide Airport and the Port of Adelaide, and rail terminals at Islington and Dry Creek will be encouraged. The development of transport links to Edinburgh Parks and to future inter-modal terminals in the northern and southern areas of Adelaide also will be encouraged. Proposals, for freight terminals in the Barossa Valley, the Riverland, Port Augusta, the Far North and the South East will be investigated.
3.4 Keep road freight moving
Road transport is the most flexible freight mode, particularly for smaller items, and most rail, sea and air freight needs to be carried by road for some part of its journey.
Improving road freight access to and from Adelaide
Road access into Adelaide from the east has been improved with the completion of the Adelaide-Crafers Freeway, which has reduced the number of heavy vehicle crashes, injuries and the associated delays to commercial and commuter traffic.
The development of the roads component of the Northern Port Access strategy will be pursued through the completion of the Port River Expressway. The other links - the extension of the Sturt Highway from the Gawler by-pass to Port Wakefield Road and the upgrading of Port Wakefield Road - will be developed progressively.
Improving road freight access within Adelaide
The Government will upgrade arterial roads in major freight corridors to attract trucks away from local areas and less suitable roads. The focus of this program will be on ensuring high quality ring roads and north-south roads, and removing bottlenecks.
Trucks will be encouraged to use the arterial roads which are best suited to freight transport needs. Improvements will be made to arterial roads within the metropolitan area to facilitate freight movement. This will include widening kerbside lanes, removing roadside intrusions, extending parking restrictions (clearways), providing traffic signal coordination matched to truck travel speeds, and treatments that minimise vehicle tyre noise when new pavements are constructed.
54 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Improvements will be focused on the most strategically significant metropolitan freight routes - the North-South Corridor, and the Inner and Outer Ring Routes. The priorities and anticipated timing of these road works are outlined in the chart on page 50 and 51.
The development of the North-South Corridor will involve the removal of remaining major bottlenecks on Main South Road, commencing with the upgrading of the Port Road to Torrens Road section and associated intersections. Subsequently, other intersection bottlenecks will be addressed. Alternatives to South Road also will be developed through the upgrading of Holbrooks and Hanson Roads to provide a parallel improved freight link to the Port River Expressway and the Sturt Highway Extension.
The Government's approach to upgrading the North-South Corridor is explained in more depth in the North-South Corridor Master Plan, the subject of a separate paper.
The upgrading of the Inner Ring Route will be completed through work on the City West Connector (Main South Road to Sir Donald Bradman Drive to Port Road), Bakewell Bridge, Fitzroy Terrace, Britannia Roundabout, and Torrens Road Rail Crossing.
The upgrading of the Outer Ring Route will be completed through work on Portrush and Hampstead Roads and the Gepps Cross Intersection.
Improving freight access across regional South Australia
Government policy to support road freight transport in regional South Australia will focus on a long-term strategy to introduce more overtaking lanes and shoulder sealing on country roads, to increase safety and reduce conflicts between trucks and cars (refer to Regional Access chapter 4). Focus also will fall on upgrading roads that lead to major inter-modal terminals. The Sturt Highway will be upgraded to improve regional and interstate road freight access to the Sturt Highway extension and the Port of Adelaide.
Adverse road freight impacts in regional towns will be assessed in an integrated manner, seeking solutions that account for region-wide freight movements. All possible solutions will be assessed including the potential to transfer freight to rail, as well as town bypass roads on key freight corridors where there is majority support of local communities (refer Regional Access and Environmental and Social Sustainability chapters 4 and 5).
3.5 Strengthen Government-industry links
The Government works with industry through peak bodies such as the South Australian Freight Council. The Government will continue to work with industry to facilitate freight movement and to ensure that industry meets its obligations to the community.
Significant improvements to freight transport are being made by Government working with the SA Freight Council to improve the performance of logistics chains. This involves systems improvements by all involved in the supply chain. South Australia has been successful in its work to improve the perishable food export logistics chain through the development of refrigerated goods (cold chain) logistics performance agreements. Plans to establish a 'virtual' cold chain centre focused on providing cold chain solutions to industry are well advanced and will draw on expertise in research, training, education and the assembly of tailor-made project teams to generate innovative solutions to industry problems. Part of this work is likely to result in mode shifts of product moved by air or road to sea and rail transport.
The Government will also work with the freight industry to facilitate the use of "Intelligent Transport Systems' that can improve the efficiency of the industry, avoid unnecessary travel and encourage freight movement during periods of low traffic congestion. It will explore the provision of real-time information on traffic conditions so that industry can better schedule and select routes for its freight movement.
55 56 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Gateway to Econo Maintaining Freig
REGIONAL SOUTH AUS FREIGHT INITIATIVES Region Wide Initiatives • Improve maintenance on State roads and National Highways • Black spot program • Overtaking lanes on State roads and National Highways • Shoulder sealing regional roads • Outback Access Plan • Alignment improvements on regional roads • Regional Transport Program • Refurbish River Murray ferries to maintain regional access • Rural Rest Areas Program
Adelaide - Darwin Rail Line Facilitating opportunities for freight export to South East Asia and tourism to northern Australia
Deakin •I Roxby Downs Rail Line or Pimba Intermodal Freight Terminal To provide road/rail access for the mining industry to Roxby Downs
Potential Port Augusta Intermodal Freight Terminal Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail access for freight travelling east-west & north-south
Sturt Highway Upgrading Improve the safety and efficiency of road access to Sydney and Brisbane
Potential Riverland Intermodal Freight Terminal Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail access for the citrus and wine industries
Potential Barossa Intermodal Freight Terminal Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail access for the wine industry
Standardisation of Rail Line to Barossa Valley Facilitate the movement of grapes and bottled wine by rail to interstate and overseas
Adelaide - Melbourne Rail Corridor Upgrade rail corridor to improve the efficiency of freight access from Regional South Australia and Melbourne
Potential South East Intermodal Freight Terminal Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail access for the timber, wine and horticultural industries
56 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN LL2*. i Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs - 'to Maintaining Freight Competitiveness > •1 NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND
fAlice Sorjngs£9g| Tibooburra • Alignment improvements on 140km regional roads Moomba • Regional Transport Program • Refurbish River Murray ferries to maintain regional access • Rural Rest Areas Program CoobeftPedy Maralinga - Tjarutja ameron Comer Adelaide - Darwin Rail Line Aboriginal Land Facilitating opportunities for freight export to South East Asia and tourism to northern Australia /laraling Restricted Area Nantawarrina Roxby Downs Leigh Creek Deakin Tarcooa Gendambo Nullarbor Plain 2 Yaata . Parachilna i Roxby Downs Rail Line or Pimba Eyre Intermodal Freight Terminal ~RjZ. Aboriginal Pimba To provide road/rail access for the •Wilpena I mining industry to Roxby Downs awker Great Australian Bight Cecluna Potential Port Augusta Intermodal Freight Terminal Broken Mill Port Augusta Intermodal freight terminal to '9km provide road/rail access for freight Mannahill travelling east-west & north-south <^,-M '-p-i / "***«»»AOrroroo Streaky Bay *^fiy gort'Sonython Southern Ocean lerborough Sturt Highway Upgrading Wudinna Kimba ort Pirie Terowie State Border Improve the safety and efficiency of road access to Sydney and Brisbane Town lliston Cleve Encourage the revitalisation of fpCowell Strategic Freight Rail Line Potential Riverland Intermodal Freight the Eyre Peninsula rail \^laroa Terminal network for the transportation Other Rail Line Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail of grain. /•Moonta Bala£latf|rf»Saddleworlh Pt Wakefield^ jfiOQDnda access for the citrus and wine industries State Government Maintained Road ® 1 V Mildura 114km < Man um access for the wine industry All roads maintained by State Government " r^-^Klfein Pt Ar}elaide|^ " ^ ^ Warooka* lurray Aboriginal Land Boundary PortGil Pinnaroo Standardisation of Rail Line to Barossa Valley Airport with regular passenger services llr \ bailee W$ Facilitate the movement of grapes and bottled wine by rail to interstate and overseas Support Local Government Harbor •".•Coonalpyn Sea Port Kingscote to gain Federal funding for /Vjintinara improved land access to Adelaide - Melbourne Rail Corridor Principal Freight Road regional ports Horsham Upgrade rail corridor to improve the efficiency of Roads that provide a high level of mobility and efficiency for freight 157km freight access from Regional South Australia movements between strategically important economic regions Bordertown and Melbourne Supporting Freight Road Roads that supplement the movement of freight to and between Kingston Principal Freight Roads River Murray Ferry Locations Naracoorte Cadell Narrung Waikene Explore options for the South Lyrup Purnong Walker Flat East rail project to facilitate Mannum Swan Reach Wellington economic development in the Morgan Tailem Bend lower South East Potential South East Intermodal Freight 250km *Capable of transporting B-Double trucks Terminal Intermodal freight terminal to provide road/rail access for the timber, wine and horticultural industries 56 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 57 Gateway to Economic Development and Jobs Maintaining Freight Competitiveness Barossa Valley NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND ^Alicei Springs 292km „ Blrdsville 15km METROPOL I N ADELAIDE - FREIGHT ROU ETWORK RAILWAY TRACK GAUGES • Oodnadatta Tlbooburra CoobaftPedy Roxby Downs # Leigh Creek • Nullarbor Plain Parachilna • Wilpena Great Australian Bight Broken Hill 49km August ) Pooche Orroroo Streaky Bay Wudinna Kimba ort Pirie Terowie Slate Government Maintained Road State Border Existing Urban Area Southern Ocean Eiiistoh'a Clfcve* • Town ttowell Suburban Passenger Rail Wallaroo Clare • '^Radina State Government Maintained Road • Moonta Jalaklava Jbaddleworth r- Tram Eudunda Cummins \Pt Wakefield* Renmark^SI | Ardrossan*' { ?Berri H> Mlldura O-Bahn 114km Other Rail Part Lincoln Kl,e!n Pt , •Ml Pleasanl Warooka* f SEE INSET MaTinum Urban Containment Boundary Railway Track Gauges • V BELOW / , Po'rt Giles' Plnnaroo Planning SA - Metropolitan Boundary Standard Gauge 1425mm Standard Gauge 1425mm VIUIUJ . , ^X ts / Narrow Gauge 1067mm Coonatpyn Kingscote $S \, Harbor M«*pje« Tlntlnara Dual Gauge (Standard and Broad) Broad Gauge 1600mm Horsham Airport Dual Gauge (Standard & Broad) 157km To MallalaS^ To Qawle Bordertown Seaport Kingston c ^ Naracoorte Principal Freight Road Robe* Roads that provide a high level of mobility and Salisbury efficiency for freight movements between Outer Harbor Penola strategically important economic regions Beachportt Dry Creek North Millicent Adelaide BDry Creek South Mt Gambier*-*? Portland Supporting Freight Road Roads that supplement the movement of Woodville freight to and between Principal Freight Roads ADELAIDE Future Principal Freight Road Tramline Glenelc Future Suppqrting Freight Road Bejair Stirling Brighton d jonsley lackwooc To Mt Barke 250km Noarlunga Centre 58 ^SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 59 / Total Funding Timing j Regional Access Initiatives Priority Cost Source Short Medium Long ($ millions) (0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10-15 yrs) 4.10 Adopt a focused investment strategy for rural areas Alignment improvements on regional roads 1 20 • A Regional Transport Program to respond to regional growth 1 30 Maintain regional access through a ferry refurbishment 2 12 • program Investment program to complement tourism and other economic 15 priorities • All or mainly State Government funding ^ Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. • Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million. Notes: • The chart shows: - the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target.s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6); - the estimated total cost of initiatives; and - the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. • The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. • The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives. • Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport. • Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date. • The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives. • The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years. • For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding. 63 64 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities SUIVIVIARY OF PRIIMOPAL REGIONAL ACCESS INITIATIVES Total Regional Access Initiatives Priority Cost ($ millions) 4.1 Support bus services, and walking and cycling in regional areas Review of regular bus services in provincial cities 1 • Deliver Bike Ed to regional SA 2 • 4.2 Develop flexible integrated regional passenger transport networks Implement Integrated Passenger Networks across regional SA, 1 45 including Indigenous lands Implement Community Passenger Network driver accreditation 1 • scheme A o Onmmitrrifant tn intr^i>Qtfit£k IIIIQ n^tui/nrlc •T.w vU] 1II1 llll 1ICI11 IU II ILI u Jlulc IIUIWUI IV 1 1 c Improve the concession reimbursement scheme for i I D disadvantaged Market and promote the BusSA regional bus network 1 *JK» • *Jtr vrVJVJf*f\f\KritnI U-zitck11 Idl e UUVcnrtwornrnonl.fl 1III Icl ll~ IUi Imf lUclf oWl r"%~»ccannoUd jocllUUrI transport Explore coordinating passenger transport under a 2 single agency 4.5 Sustain access to Kangaroo island Assessment of proposals for additional services 2 * Kangaroo Island Management Group 2 * 4.6 Improve regional road safety (refer also Safety chapter) Overtaking lanes on State arterial roads 1 16 Overtaking lanes on National Highway 1 21 Shoulder sealing regional roads 1 34 4.7 Support for Indigenous transport initiatives (refer also Safely chapter) Road safety initiatives designed for the Indigenous population 2 10 4.8 Maintain the outback road network Outback Road Access Plan 1 , • Outback roads development 1 100 4.9 Support a viable regional aviation system Support local government and Federal regional 3 2 aviation schemes, including indigenous lands 62 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Responses In addressing the challenge of providing access to regional, rural and remote South Australia, emphasis is given to flexibility rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Priority will be given to working closely with local government, Regional Development Boards, industry and regional communities to ensure State Government initiatives reflect an understanding of local issues. The involvement of a range of public and private sector service and infrastructure providers is key to achieving the flexibility necessary to address the wide variation in transport needs across regional South Australia. However, good coordination is also essential and the Government will give priority to achieving this in consultation with key stakeholders. The Government recognises the need for access at a number of levels, each requiring different solutions. Within provincial cities, priority will be given to regular bus services and good walking and cycling facilities. Within regions, tailor-made passenger networks will provide access by making best use of available transport resources to suit needs of the local communities. Across the State, the Government will focus on the BusSA network together with a safe, reliable and well maintained road network to provide for effective freight and passenger travel. In the far north and west of the state, the Outback Road Network will be given particular attention. There will be ongoing support for essential air services. Targeted investment on rural arterial roads will be another priority for Government, with specific interventions in areas experiencing particularly high growth. The Government is also committed to progressing the development of a Regional Transport Program as a strategy for improving coordination of public and private sector transport initiatives, be they for road, rail, sea or air. The Government will continue to seek a fair share of Federal funding for regional and remote transport initiatives, including for projects in unincorporated areas of the State. The Government's principal Regional Access initiatives for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next page, and described in this chapter. These initiatives are strengthened by those relating to the chapters titled Walking and Cycling, Environmental and Social Sustainability (minimising impacts on communities), Maximising Its Value (road maintenance), Maintaining Freight Competitiveness, and by road, rail and marine Safety measures. 61 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities DIRECTIONS FOR ACCESS FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITl ES The Government's strategy for regional access will: • Support and maintain social access. • Reduce the over-representation of regional South Australia in road crashes. • Adopt a focussed investment strategy for rural roads. • Support economic growth in regional South Australia, including tourism and freight. TARGET Ensure safe and reliable access for regional, rural and remote South Australia, and revitalise regional passenger transport. STRATEGY Challenges The population of regional South Australia is 290,000, about the same as during the mid 1970s. The conditions experienced in each community are very different depending on their location — from remote indigenous communities and small inland rural towns to regional centres and coastal locations. In general, regional communities tend to be more disadvantaged in terms of socio-economic conditions and standard of health. The pattern of settlement has changed. The largest, least populated areas of the State are becoming further de-populated, while population is becoming more concentrated in and around the metropolitan core, and at coastal and riverine locations. In addition, services have become more centralised to major regional centres, thereby increasing the need for people to travel to access services. Without access to a car, residents of regional South Australia have very limited opportunities to travel within and between regions. Community feedback highlighted that young and older people were most affected, severely limiting recreation and employment options and maintaining their dependence on family members. This provides an ongoing challenge to the State Government in ensuring the provision of effective access for people and goods. The challenge is compounded by the wide range of public and private sector bodies involved in providing transport infrastructure and services across regional SA. In addition, regional, rural and remote South Australia continues to be over-represented in road fatality and serious injury crash statistics, both in terms of total crashes and the number of country residents involved. While for those without access to a car, including temporarily due to sickness, opportunities to travel within their region are very limited. Freight transport is also critical for regional SA, both in accessing markets as well as obtaining fresh food and groceries and inputs to regional industries. Regional South Australia makes a significant contribution to the State's economy. Transport is integral to supporting the economic viability of various industries and the regions in which they are based. Anticipated growth in freight and tourism traffic needs to be carefully managed, with consideration given to the impact on local communities. 60 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 59 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND fAlice Springs j>92km ACCESS FOR REGIONAL, ^Bjrdsville 15km RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES < i Anangu Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal Land Oodnadatta Tibooburra 140km Moomba Region Wide Initiatives • Implement Integrated Passage Networks CoobefiPedy across SA Maralinga - Tjarutja Cameron Comer • Review of regular bus services in Aboriginal Land provincial cities • Improve maintenance of State roads and National Highways • Overtaking lanes on State Roads and Maralinga National Highways Restricted • Shoulder sealing regional roads Area • Outback Road Access Nantawarrina • Road safety initiatives for indigeneous people Roxby Downs Leigh Creek. Afibrigina| • Support Local Government and Federal Tarcoola aviation programs ( Larid Nullarbor Plain Glendambo • Alignment improvements on regional roads • Regional Transport Program Yalata Parachilna • Refurbish River Murray ferries to maintain Aboriginal Pimba regional access **" L_Lan Wilpena • Market and promote the Bus SA regional bus network • Rail Level Crossing Safety Program awker Great Australian Bight • Black Spot Program V Ceduna • Rural Rest Areas Program Port Augusta Mannahill Streaky Bay " Orroroo Port'lfonythoii Improve the concession Southern Ocean 5,a % reimbursement scheme for the Wudinna Kimba ort Pirie terbo rough State Border Terowie disadvantaged on the Bus SA network Town lliston* Cleve Interstate Passenger Rail Line Cowell Wallaroo Other Rail Line Moonta Balakla Saddleworth Cummins PtWaketijfil udunda lenmark V Supporting Regional Growth State Government Maintained Road Supporting Regional Growth Mildura 114km Upgrading Barossa Way and Sturt Unincorporated Area Boundary Encourage the movement of freight Highway to complement local to Port Lincoln and on the Eyre No local government authority north of boundary. Pbrt Lincoln government investment for freight Peninsula by rail. It Pleasant Manfium All roads maintained by State Government. Warooka Supporting Regional Growth Aboriginal Land Boundary Supporting Regional Growth Pinnaroo Maximise the investment at Monarto interchange and other arterial roads Airport with regular passenger services Continue upgrading of Victor Harbor Road and Cape Jervis Road for Victor .^7 to address freight transport in the freight and tourism Harbor Ms™gj| &kCoonalpyn Adelaide Hills Sea Port "%/^Tintinara Regional BUS Route (Referto Bus SA State Guide) Keith Horsham River Murray Ferry Locations 157km Bordertown Cadell Narrung Waikerie* Lyrup Purnong Walker Flat Assessment of proposals for Mannum Swan Reach* Wellington* additional services to Morgan Tailem Bend Kingston Kangaroo Island *Capable of transporting B-Double trucks Naracoorte Beachporl Millicenl Supporting Regional Growth Targeted road investments to ... r^A\*w.„, " I Portland support the movement of freight by Mt Gambier 7gkm rail in the lower South East 64 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 65 65 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities Patronage of Bus Services REGIONAL ACCESS INITIATIVES in Regional Towns 4.1 Support bus services, and walking and cycling in 2002-03 regional centres Mount Gambier 101,100 Community feedback confirmed the importance of regular bus Murray Bridge 96,800 services and facilities for cycling and walking in provincial cities, while effective consultation with local government was seen as an Port Augusta 98,300 essential element in planning services and facilities. Port Lincoln 50,800 The Government will continue to provide financial assistance for bus Port Pirie 101,300 services in Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Port Whyalla 134,200 Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla and, as a high priority, will undertake a major review of the services in consultation with local government. The review will seek to ensure the services are efficient and effective and continue to meet the needs of the community. As indicated in the Walking and Cycling chapter, the Government also will give priority to working with councils to ensure cycling and walking is encouraged in country towns through good design and amenity, as well as the involvement of rural children in programs such as Bike Ed. 4.2 Develop flexible integrated regional passenger transport networks Integrated Passenger Networks and Community Passenger Networks provide an invaluable transport service in regional areas, and their continuation and expansion are strongly supported by local communities and organisations. Under the highly consultative Integrated Passenger Network (IPN) program, the passenger transport needs of the community are packaged to make best use of available transport resources within the region. Continued implementation of IPNs will be a high priority for Government, with a program to cover all of regional South Australia to be in place within the next four years. Subsidies will continue to be paid to operators to ensure that affordable fares are maintained. Community Passenger Networks (CPNs) are another innovative approach to regional access, providing an important service for people who are reliant on passenger transport or where there are no other options available, such as sick people accessing health treatment. The Government has established 11 CPNs in regional South Australia and is committed to funding CPNs for a further five years. An accreditation scheme for drivers who volunteer their services to the CPNs will be implemented. 66 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 4.3 Commit to the intra-state bus network Under the brand name BusSA, private bus services provide vital public transport and light freight links across the State. The Government regulates these services to ensure that access to regional South Australia is maintained and optimised with a comprehensive range of routes and services. The Government does not subsidise their operation, but does reimburse concession fares for pensioners, the unemployed and students. The Government will give priority to reviewing the concession reimbursement arrangements with a view to ensuring a viable scheme and maintaining these valuable services. Of importance to the community is the provision of reliable, integrated information on regional bus services. The Government will continue to undertake the role of marketing and promoting the BusSA network. 4.4 Coordinate Government-funded passenger transport The Government will explore opportunities for coordinating the range of passenger transport services in regional South Australia funded by Government agencies - across all levels - to deliver improved outcomes to regional communities. 4.5 Sustain access to Kangaroo Island Sea ferry and air services are the primary forms of passenger transport between Kangaroo Island and the mainland, with on-demand freight movement provided both by ferry and barge services. These services and related infrastructure are provided and maintained by local and State Government, as well as the private sector. The Government has formed a Kangaroo Island Management Group to provide better coordination of State and local government services at ferry terminals. Proposals for additional transport services to the island will continue to be assessed by the Government as they arise, taking into account key factors such as economic viability, environmental impact, and safety. 4.6 Improve regional road safety The Government is serious about reducing the over-representation of regional, rural and remote South Australia in road crash statistics and, as a high priority, has developed a comprehensive package of initiatives outlined in the Demanding a Safe and Secure Transport System chapter. Investment in regional arterial roads (4.10) and the outback roads network (4.8) as discussed below, together with an increased focus on road maintenance, will complement other specific road safety initiatives. 67 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities 4.7 Support Indigenous transport initiatives The Transport Plan promotes reconciliation and acknowledges Indigenous heritage and the significance of land in Aboriginal culture. Government will progress transport issues with due consideration to State and Commonwealth Aboriginal Affairs policies and in consultation with the Indigenous Community and Land Holding Authorities. This will be achieved through the development of: • Road Safety initiatives specific to the Indigenous population. • Strategies to improve access to remote indigenous communities by facilitating improvements to regional air services and airports. • Improved planning and coordination of road networks servicing Indigenous lands. • Strategies to improve access to regional passenger transport systems. • Cultural awareness training for regional passenger transport drivers 4.8 Maintain the outback roads network The State Government manages over 10,000km of unsealed roads in the Far North and West with other significant road networks in the region being managed by National Parks, Aboriginal landholders and other private organisations. Traversing some 76% of the total land area of the State, these roads are vital links for the local communities and provide access to the Region for important economic activities such as mining, agriculture and tourism. A key priority for the State Government is the development a comprehensive Outback Road Access Plan as part of a broader Regional Access Strategy. The plan will focus investment and maintenance dollars where they are needed most and provide a firm policy position on public and private sector road investment. 4.9 Support a viable regional aviation system The State Government has a minor role to play in the management and maintenance of airports across regional South Australia with ownership of the assets and services resting with other parties. The State Government will continue to support: • The Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme for the Airports Inspection Program, which supports inspection of Local and State Government owned aiports, and those in unincorporated areas operated by community progress associations. 68 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN • The Federal Remote Air Services Subsidy Scheme, which provides a weekly passenger, mail and freight air service to stations and communities along the Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks. In addition, the Government will undertake a series of coordinating measures to assist regional air services, including: • Maintaining current support for airports and air services, and facilitating decision making by transport providers. • Supporting relevant State and Federal agencies in the development of programs to maintain and improve airports in indigenous lands. • Influencing Commonwealth policy and regulatory settings to improve air access to and within the State. • Licensing single operators for fixed time periods on routes where the service is at risk of being lost, or in order to regain a service. 4.10 Adopt a focused investment strategy for rural areas The Government will work with local government and industry to better understand local issues and ensure good transport infrastructure and services. This includes providing safe and well maintained access to popular tourist destinations to complement the State's tourism priorities, as well as facilitating efficient and effective freight movements, while also being mindful of the impact of increased through traffic on regions. Regional arterial road investment As a high priority, the Government will implement an investment strategy for regional roads targeted at measures that can improve traffic safety, including: • Overtaking lanes. Overtaking lanes on rural roads are an effective means for accommodating the needs of passenger and freight transport by permitting faster vehicles to safely pass large trucks and slower vehicles. • Shoulder sealing. Sealing the shoulders of roads provides a wider traffic lane that gives a greater sense of comfort for drivers, provides more space and time to take evasive action in the event of an emergency, and provides for cyclists. • Alignment improvements. In some cases, realignment of roads may be warranted to overcome safety problems. In the near future, the overtaking lane and shoulder sealing programs will be generally sufficient to meet traffic needs. In the longer term, widening may be needed on roads with high traffic demand, such as duplication of some sections of the Sturt Highway. There will be a focus on upgrading roads that lead to major intermodal freight terminals and, where warranted, town bypass roads will be constructed on key freight corridors, where there is majority support of local communities (refer Freight and Environmental and Social Sustainability, chapters 3 and 5). 69 Access for Regional, Rural and Remote Communities Regional Transport Program The Government will establish a Regional Transport Program to target investment to address gaps in the provision of integrated and effective transport services for all transport modes in regional areas. This could take effect following exploration of necessary legislative changes and consultation with other levels of Government. The proposed Regional Transport Program aims to: • Stimulate innovative projects across all transport modes in the region. • Accept transport proposals on an annual cycle. • Encourage proposals from both Government and non-Government organisations with a particular focus on encouraging public-private partnerships. The State Government will contribute up to 50%, with the Minister for Transport assessing projects annually using open and transparent guidelines. Preference will be given to projects that meet Government priorities. r- -,5sS \l£\jfCoober Peciy :ncx ASfffafde 70 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Supporting regional growth The Government will give specific consideration to five regional areas currently experiencing particularly high economic and population growth. In all regions, the Government will work with local government and industry to better understand local issues and address matters relating to road, rail, sea and (where applicable) air freight. Port Lincoln • Investigate issues related to freight transport to and from Port Lincoln, and on the Eyre Peninsula in general, with a focus on encouraging movement by rail. Mount Barker and Surrounds • Encourage freight transport away from towns in the Adelaide Hills to make better use of investment at the Monarto Interchange on the freeway and between Murray Bridge and the Sturt Highway. • Attract north-south freight away from Mount Barker through targeted rural road investments, eliminating, in the short- term, the need for both a Mount Barker bypass and additional access to the South East freeway. South East • Particular attention will be given to freight movements, including issues associated with traffic through towns such as Mount Gambier. Barossa Valley • The Barossa Valley Access Study, which identified a transport network of local and arterial roads to meet the needs of the wine and tourism industry, will guide investment in this Region. • Upgrading the Barossa Valley Way and the Sturt Highway will complement work being undertaken by local government. • The Government will work with local government to ensure the transport system is carefully designed to retain the amenity and culture of the Barossa Valley. Fleurieu Peninsula • The Government will continue to upgrade the Victor Harbor Road and the Cape Jervis Road to improve safety, increase the attractiveness of the region, and improve access for local business and industry to metropolitan Adelaide. 71 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and Social Sustainability DIRECTIONS FOR ENVIRONIVENTAL. AND SOCIAL SUSTAI NASI U TY The Government's strategy for environmental and social sustainability will: • Contribute to achieving Kyoto greenhouse gas emission targets. • Protect and enhance local communities. • Give greater consideration to social equity impacts of transport initiatives. • Encourage the use of less polluting forms of transport, embrace new technologies and reduce the need to travel only by car. • Reduce environmental impacts of constructing and maintaining transport infrastructure. TARGET No rise in greenhouse gas and other pollution from transport (above 2003 levels). STRATEGY Challenges The growth of motorised road transport in South Australia has created a number of negative impacts that threaten our quality of life, public health and the environment. Climate change associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions is recognised as one of the world's most serious challenges. Transport is a key contributor, recording a 25% increase in emissions in South Australia since 1990. For South Australia, climate change means more extreme weather events, such as hot days and strong storms, and a decline in rainfall by up to 13% by 2030. Passenger cars account for the majority of transport related greenhouse emissions, while the growth in emissions from road freight vehicles is a further area of concern. Motorised transport has a significant impact on air quality. Emerging studies indicate that health impacts of air pollution may be associated with more deaths than road accidents. Around 70% of Adelaide's air pollution is attributable to road vehicles, with road freight transport a major contributor. Transport noise is of increasing concern to South Australians, with heavy vehicle engine braking a major source of complaints. Currently about 14% of the population of 11 72 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Adelaide are exposed to transport noise above World Health Organisation standards. Noise exposure will continue to rise with projected growth in traffic. Communities are becoming more concerned about the impacts of increased freight movements and reliance on the car. Poorly planned transport corridors and developments can act as barriers, reducing neighbourhood amenity, increasing the need to travel to access facilities and contributing to social segregation. Water pollution from maritime activities and the road transport system has downgraded the quality of our waterways. Transport infrastructure construction and maintenance practices can also have a major impact on the environment, particularly in relation to loss of native vegetation, significant trees, spread of weeds, and habitat destruction. Responses Halting the growth in greenhouse gas and other emissions from transport, particularly urban passenger transport, will be a high priority for Government. Preserving and enhancing South Australia's quality of life - ensuring healthy and attractive cities and regions for people to live, work and visit - will be another key priority. Based on feedback from the community and analysis of the most cost effective approaches to reducing emissions, the Government will focus on: • travel behaviour change programs • cleaner performing fuels and vehicles • greater choice of travel options (refer Public Transport and Walking & Cycling chapters 2 and 6) • improved transport and town planning practices (refer Smarter Spending, chapter 8). The Government is committed to reducing the need to travel where possible, and ensuring that where travel is necessary there is the option for people and goods to move by sustainable means. This approach aims to arrest emissions growth while also contributing to social and economic goals. The Government is not espousing eliminating car use, because this is unrealistic and there will always be a place for car travel and road freight. The Government will embrace emerging technologies in vehicle design and traffic management devices, as well as encouraging industry to do so, as a longer-term strategy for addressing transport emissions. Adelaide's public transport system will lead the way in the use of greener fuels and vehicles. As a priority, the Government will examine the merits of requiring Transport Impact Statements to be prepared for new developments generating significant travel and introduce an improved triple bottom line approach to evaluating transport initiatives to protect and enhance South Australia's social and ecological environments (refer Smarter Spending, chapte 8). Particular attention will be given to ensuring positive, outcomes for those areas and those sections of the population that are most vulnerable The development of strategic frameworks to guide heavy vehicle access and approaches to reducing community exposure to transport noise also will be a high priority. The Government's principal environmental and social initiatives for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next page, and described in this chapter. Initiatives in the chapters titled Freight (increased use of rail and sea), Safety, Public Transport, Maximising its Value (priority for public transport, traffic management), Walking and Cycling, Smarter Spending and Regional Access also contribute to the achievement of the Environment and Social Sustainability goals. 73 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and Social Sustainability SUIVIVIARY OF THE PRINCIPAL. EIMVIRONIVEIMTAL AND SOOAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES Total Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiatives Priority Cos! 5.1 Make a positive change to people's travel behaviour TravelSmart Green Travel Plans for all State Government buildings Travel Demand Management plans in TravelSmart delivery areas 5.2 Reduce emissions and energy consumption through technological innovation State Government to purchase vehicles with low environmental impact Light Emitting Diode traffic signals Solar powered marine navigation aids and beacons Work with car industry to support technological innovation 5.3 Achieve a carbon neutral public transport system Increase the percentage of public transport fleet using greener fuels Adopt new technology for buses (eg. fuel cells) Tree planting to absorb carbon dioxide 5.4 Reduce pollution from existing vehicles and vessels Education, and enforcement to reduce smoky vehicles Upgrading Australian Design Rules for cars, buses and trucks Information on maintenance of freight vehicles and driving practices Initiatives to reduce the impacts of vessels at sea and on our rivers Diesel emission testing facility 5.5 Protect and enhance local communities Encourage industry to relocate to industrial precincts Develop a Heavy Vehicle Access Framework Develop Strategic Bypass Guidelines for regional areas Develop and apply a Transport Noise Management Framework Underground power lines Develop urban design code of practice for transport projects 5.6 Reduce waste and water pollution through innovative engineering Remediate contaminated transport land Manage water run-off along freight and heavily trafficked routes Guidelines for the use of recycled or waste products in 74 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Total Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiatives Priority Cos! Long (10-15 yrs) 5.7 Preserve and enhance biodiversity and heritage Protect remnant vegetation and rare and endangered species j Identify and protect natural and cultural J heritage items Transport corridor re-vegetation program j Replace vegetation removal associated with j transport projects j 5.8 Increase driver awareness of the cost of transport j Information on the cost of operating various modes of transport! 6 All or mainly State Government funding ^ Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. ic Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million. Notes: • The chart shows: - the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target,s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6); - the estimated total cost of initiatives; and - the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. • The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. • The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.; • Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport. • Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date. • The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives. • The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years. • For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding. 75 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and Social Sustainability EN VI RONIVEIMTAL & SOCIAL SUSTAI NABIUTY INITIATIVES 5.1 Make a positive change to people's travel behaviour The TravelSmart SA program in Adelaide identifies ways for people to better organise their travel to suit their lifestyle and benefit their health, reduce costs and improve the environment. The program will be expanded more widely throughout metropolitan Adelaide if results continue to be positive. School-based education programs, such as the Walking School Bus, Safe Routes to School and Bike Ed, all of which encourage and support children to walk and cycle to school safely and securely, will be continued (refer Walking and Cycling, chapter 6). Government departments will develop Green Travel Plans, and actively encourage their employees to walk, cycle and use public transport. The Government will also assist local government, the private sector and organisers of major events to produce their own Green Travel Plans. The Government will work with local government to develop additional travel demand management programs in areas where the TravelSmart program is delivered, to reinforce the travel behaviour change messages. 5.2 Reduce emissions and energy consumption through technological innovation New technologies such as fuel cells offer the opportunity for substantial reductions in emissions and energy consumption. A biodiesel bus trial is underway to gauge the efficiency and environmental benefits of this alternative fuel. 76 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN The Government will work with local industry to support technological innovation in order to produce environmentally friendlier vehicles. This will contribute to staking our claim as the SMART STATE. The Government, as a major purchaser of cars in South Australia, will continue to purchase cars that have a low environmental impact, including hybrid and electrically powered cars. Traffic signals and marine navigation aids consume considerable electricity. The Government is introducing low energy technology to replace current signal globes, and will continue to install solar powered marine navigation aids and beacons. South Australia's coordinated traffic signal system also will be audited and refined to smooth traffic flows and reduce energy consumption and pollution (refer Maximising its Value, chapter 7). 5.3 Achieve a carbon-neutral public transport system At present, 29% of the public transport bus fleet in Adelaide uses natural gas for fuel. A priority of Government is to achieve a carbon neutral public transport system within 15 years. This will be achieved by: • Increasing the share of the public transport bus fleet that uses greener fuels such as natural gas and bio-diesel. • Increasing the numbers of better performing diesel engine buses and using a higher quality diesel fuel as it becomes available. • Trialing innovative technologies such as fuel cells. • Staying abreast of emerging technologies. • Planting trees to absorb residual carbon dioxide output from the public transport fleet. 5.4 Reduce pollution from existing vehicles and vessels Passenger and freight vehicles The Government will give priority to introducing a package of education, encouragement and enforcement initiatives to reduce the number of smoky vehicles on the road, taking into account the needs of people on low-incomes. Encouraging motorists to drive more efficiently, coupled with stricter enforcement and tightening of regulations, will reduce the quantity of emissions as well as costs to car owners and freight operators. The State Government is committed to working with the Federal Government and the National Transport Commission to meet world's best practice emission standards. By 2006 all new cars, buses and trucks sold in Australia will need to meet strict European emission standards. The Government will also encourage the Commission to introduce heavy vehicle charges that reflect the costs they impose on the community. High priority will be given to trialing a diesel emission testing facility. The facility, to commence operations in 2004, will improve knowledge of emissions from South Australian diesel vehicles and provide specific feedback to vehicle owners to allow improved performance and reduce running costs. 77 Transport in South Australia - Ensuring its Environmental and Social Sustainability Vessels MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimising marine pollution. The Government will continue to work with the Federal Government and support acceptance of new MARPOL regulations for application to vessels operating in the State's waters. The Government will also seek to reduce the impact of vessels on the State's seas and inland waterways by: • Supporting requirements for reduced wastewater from vessels - particularly on the River Murray. • Providing waste oil recovery stations at Transport SA marine facilities and encourage their installation at other marinas. • Providing oil spill clean-up kits at key locations along the River Murray and the coastline. • Ensuring that vessel wash-down facilities are available at Transport SA boat yard sites. • Maintaining a response capacity in the event of oil or other hazardous substance spill incidents in the marine environment. 5.5 Protect and enhance local communities The Government will support the State's economic development plan and continued industrial development in designated regions that are close to major freight routes. Industrial development in residential areas and in areas distant from freight routes will be discouraged. The Government will continue to encourage industry to relocate to industrial precincts as a means of reducing land use conflicts. As a priority, the Government is developing a Heavy Vehicle Access Framework to strategically guide heavy vehicle access to the road network for the long term. This will take into consideration the current road network, land use zoning and links with other modes. The framework will be prepared during 2004 in consultation with local government and industry. The framework will be based on nationally consistent road classification and route assessment guidelines, and will give industry and the community greater certainty about longterm conditions for the use of large trucks. It will not over-ride current local government regulations for the use of heavy vehicles on specific roads. The Government also will give priority to the development of a Transport Noise Management Framework to provide protection to sensitive land uses, such as residences, from excessive noise associated with transport activities. The framework will take a multi- faceted approach, and recognise that responsibility for resolving the problems of transport noise rests with Government, the private sector and the community. In addition, the Government will develop Strategic Bypass Guidelines. As a general rule, the main streets of country towns will not be reclassified as key freight corridors. Arterial bypasses will only be considered on national highways and strategic routes. Town bypass roads will only be developed on key freight corridors after consideration of all options, and where there is majority support of local communities (refer Freight and Regional Access chapters, 3 and 4). 78 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN A code of practice for urban design aspects of transport infrastructure projects will also be developed, covering items such as relationships to surrounding buildings, intersection appearance, overpasses, carparks, landscaping, views, signage and lighting, to ensure they positively contribute to the visual amenity of our cities and towns. The Government will continue to support the Power Line and Environment Committee that prioritise, and coordinates the undergrounding of powerlines across metropolitan Adelaide. 5.6 Reduce waste and water pollution through innovative engineering The Government will reduce water pollution and the amount of waste produced by the transport system through innovative engineering and other practices. Approaches will include: • Considering water re-use and conservation and water pollution impacts when designing infrastructure. • Managing water run-off with the aim to treat to the appropriate standard for the subsequent use, aquifer storage and recovery or disposal, particularly on freight and heavily trafficked routes. • Continually improving practices to minimise the impacts of obtaining, using and disposing of materials used for road construction and maintenance. • Developing guidelines to maximise use of recycled and waste products in transport construction. • Installing facilities to manage waste and water use on all wharves, jetties and marinas. • Developing and applying ballast water management codes or regulations for coastal fleets. 5.7 Preserve and enhance biodiversity and heritage The Department of Transport and Urban Planning has the opportunity to enhance biodiversity and land management in the State, with responsibility for buildings, depots, transport corridors and specific responsibilities in the marine environment. In order to minimise negative impacts the Government will: • Develop a program to re-vegetate transport corridors while ensuring safety. • Design transport corridors to protect and enhance native vegetation and biodiversity, especially rare, vulnerable or endangered species. • Ensure identification and protection for natural and cultural heritage items. • Employ best practice management to minimise the spread of harmful organisms like Phytopthera. 5.8 Increase driver awareness of the costs of transport At present, motorists do not accurately estimate the actual cost of motoring when they make their travel decisions. This occurs in part because fixed charges such as registration and insurance fees do not vary with the amount of use made of the road system. The Government will provide information that better informs the community about the real cost of transport. 79 Getting South Australia Walking and Cycling DIRECTIONS FOR GETTING SOUTH AUSTRALIA WALKING AND CYCLING The Government's strategy for walking and cycling will: • Ensure the provision of suitable infrastructure. • Remove impediments to walking and cycling. • Promote the modes as viable alternatives to using the car for personal use. TARGET Double walking and cycling trips by 2018. STRATEGY Challenges Walking and cycling are often overlooked as transport options, but offer flexibility, significant health and environmental benefits and add to the vibrancy of our cities and towns. Walking is a component of essentially every journey people make and, for people without access to a car, walking or cycling is often the only means they have to access public transport, local services and employment. The provision of walking and cycling facilities that meet the needs of all people, including children and older people, is therefore critical. Around 42% of South Australians own a bicycle, yet the numbers of people walking and cycling has generally been in decline over recent decades, reflecting a similar trend in Europe and North America. Dominance of cars and trucks on the road network, poorly designed cities, and safety and personal security concerns are key factors. The decline in walking and cycling has accompanied falls in levels of physical activity. In South Australia, physical inactivity is now the most prevalent risk factor for heart disease, and also contributes to obesity and some forms of cancer. Understanding the different pedestrian and cyclist groups and their individual needs is the key to encouraging more walking and cycling. For example, children riding to school require safe access in local streets whereas adult commuters or couriers seek direct dedicated routes, generally on arterial roads. Particular attention needs to be given to safety, as cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. To date the provision of walking and cycling facilities has been relatively uncoordinated, with many routes being of inconsistent standard or missing vital links. This in part reflects the large number of organisations involved. Individual local councils play a central role in maintaining local roads, parks and footpaths, while the private sector has responsibility for providing end-of-trip facilities, such as secure bike parking. The State Government has responsibility for pedestrian crossings, cycling facilities, and lighting on arterial roads. Nevertheless, a number of initiatives have supported cycling and walking, such as the introduction of a 50km/h speed limit on local roads and the establishment of around 200km of off-road walking and cycling trails across metropolitan and country areas, demonstrating that much can be achieved through effective State and local government partnerships. 80 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN Responses The Government recognises its key coordinating role in ensuring fair and safe access for walking and cycling in South Australian cities and towns. The establishment of the Office for Cycling and Walking is a first step toward greater leadership in this area. The Plan emphasises cooperative relationships with Local Government and the private sector, with a focus on consistency in designing for walking and cycling across metropolitan and regional areas. There is also an emphasis on a more strategic approach to the provision of cycling networks, to create a strategic cycling network (both on and off-road) across the metropolitan area and for regional towns. Education and promotion will supplement these measures, particularly through school programs and raising awareness of motorists of the need to 'share the road'. The walking and cycling initiatives in the Draft Transport Plan attracted a great deal of positive comments and suggestions from across the State, reflecting the importance of providing safe and attractive environments for these travel modes. In the further development of the cycling network, the different roles of cycling - for regular daily trips and for recreation - will be recognised. The Government's principal walking and cycling initiatives for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next page, and described in this chapter. These initiatives are strengthened by those in the chapters titled Environmental and Social Sustainability (travel behaviour change programs), Public Transport, Smarter Spending (integrated land use and transport planning), and Safety. 81 Getting South Australia Walking and Cycling SUIVIVIARY OF PRINCIPAL. VUULKING AND CYQJNG INITIATIVES Total Walking and Cycling Initiatives Priority Cost ($ millions) 6.1 Fair access for cyclists and pedestrians on the road network Mandate cycling and walking facilities into new transport projects 6.2 Ensure an integrated approach Coordinated walking and cycling infrastructure provision Create a strategic metropolitan and regional cycle network Work with local government to improve routes for walking and cycling 6.3 Ensure appropriate development and design Getting new developments to incorporate walking and cycling features Promote national standards and best practice design guidelines Encourage walking and cycling associated with public transport Provide secure bicycle storage at stations and interchanges Work with local government to provide secure bicycle storage at activity centres 6.4 Protecting vulnerable road users Vulnerable road user safety improvements 11 Build walking and cycling facilities, including for children and older people Community education programs to highlight unprotected users, including rail safety education Provide crossing facilities and intersection treatments School based road safety improvement programs 6.5 Promote walking and cycling Walking School Buses Bike Ed program Special events promotion • 6.6 Establish the Office for Cycling and Walking Promote the interests of pedestrians and cyclists in South Australia 82 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN • All or mainly State Government funding Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) • All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. • Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million. Notes: • The chart shows: - the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target,s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6); - the estimated total cost of initiatives; and - the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. • The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. • The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives. • Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport. • Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date. • The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the. initiatives. • The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years; • For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding. •/ 83 Getting South Australia Walking and Cycling WALKING AND CYCLING INITIATIVES 6.1 Fair access for cyclists and pedestrians on the road network Cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable road users, facing increasing difficulties as traffic congestion rises and cars and trucks increasingly dominate roads. The Government will give high priority to ensuring that cyclists and pedestrians are given fair access to roads. Cycling and walking facilities, designed in accordance with national standards, will be a requirement of all new metropolitan road and rail projects. 6.2 Ensure an integrated approach The Government, through the Office of Cycling and Walking, will provide greater coordination and a strategic approach to planning and prioritising infrastructure improvements. Initiatives will be targeted to areas that have the greatest chance of encouraging more cycling and walking, and be integrated with education and promotional activities. The Government will continue to play a proactive role in the development of a strategic cycling network across Adelaide and regional cities, with a focus on completing missing links and ensuring routes are of a consistent standard. Priority will be given to working with local government to provide attractive off-road facilities, trails and local routes, and improving cyclist safety on arterial roads by addressing the missing links in the on-road cycling network. 6.3 Ensure appropriate development and design for pedestrians and cyclists The State Government will work with local government and industry to ensure developments cater better for the needs of walking and cycling. As a priority, the Government will review current planning legislation to ensure it supports the targets of the Transport Plan. The review will give consideration to introducing a requirement for building developers to include parking and change facilities for cyclists, as well as effective linkages to walking and cycling networks. In both the metropolitan and country areas, emphasis will be given to good design and amenity to support walking and cycling. The Government will promote national standards and best practice in designing for both modes. Good design for walking and cycling includes: • A welcoming and well-maintained environment, including secure bike parking. • Well-signed, convenient and direct routes. • Separation and clear demarcation of bicycle lanes from high-speed traffic. • Greater priority for pedestrians, particularly at signalised intersections. • Pedestrian refuges to assist people to cross roads. • Wider and better quality footpaths, with minimal street clutter, especially where there are high volumes of pedestrians. • Adequate and well-sited cyclist facilities (access/parking/showers) in new non• residential buildings and transport interchanges. • Safe and secure access and routes. • Links to public transport hubs encouraging better journey-making choices. • Sealed shoulders on country roads. 84 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN The Government will encourage walking and cycling to access public transport, as well as greater acceptance of bicycles on public transport vehicles. As a priority, secure bike storage will be provided at railway stations and bus interchanges. In conjunction with local government, mechanisms will be identified for providing secure bike storage at key activity centres. 6.4 Protect vulnerable users The State Government, in partnership with local government, will continue to ensure its roads are safe for all pedestrians and cyclists, especially children, older people, women and people with disabilities. The Road Safety Strategy ensures a coordinated and effective community road safety program. Particular focus will be given to providing dedicated road space for cyclists, and crossing facilities and intersection treatments designed to national standards. Promotion, education and enforcement programs will be developed to supplement engineering interventions. 6.5 Promote walking and cycling In conjunction with the provision of well designed infrastructure, walking and cycling will be promoted as viable modes of travel. The Government will implement a range of marketing and promotional measures to support and encourage a cultural change from a car-dominant community to one which embraces walking and cycling. In the short term, the Government will continue with programs such as 'Walking School Buses' and the Bike Ed programs. It will continue to support the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under. Information on cycle routes and facilities in Adelaide and elsewhere in the State will be regularly updated. Motorists may not always appreciate the specific needs and concerns of pedestrians and cyclists. The Government will therefore examine the possibility of including these issues into the learner and probationary driver licensing testing process and other promotional material for drivers. The Government will take a lead in fostering a change in attitude by encouraging its employees to walk and cycle, as a component of the Green Travel Plan program (see Environmental and Social Sustainability, chapter 5). The Government will encourage local governments and private companies to take up the challenge. 6.6 Establish the Office for Cycling and Walking The Government has established an Office for Cycling and Walking within the Department of Transport and Urban Planning. The office has specific responsibility for representing the needs of cyclists and pedestrians, including: • Providing policy advice to the Government on effective measures to support walking and cycling throughout South Australia. • Providing a strategic framework to guide and coordinate walking and cycling activities within the Department of Transport and Urban Planning. • Linking walking and cycling initiatives undertaken by other Government departments, local government, the private sector and community groups. • Researching and developing best practice and innovation. 85 South Australia's Transport Network Maximising its Value DIRECTIONS FOR IVIAXIIVI SI NG NETWORK VALUE The Government's strategy for maximising the value of the State's transport networks will: • Shift the emphasis from constructing new roads to making better use of existing roads. • Sustain road assets, catching up on the road maintenance backlog. • Sustain public rail, marine and aviation assets, and promote the maintenance of assets not owned by the Government. • Coordinate the development and management of public transport assets with those owned by other Governments and the private sector. • Undertake targeted upgrades that will substantially improve network efficiency. TARGET Eliminate the road maintenance backlog by 2014, and sustain an adequate level of maintenance thereafter. STRATEGY Challenges The Government is responsible for the provision, operation and maintenance of a range of transport infrastructure. Roads account for most of this, with other components including rail lines, ports, jetties, ferries and aerodromes. These assets are complemented by local government transport infrastructure and the major ports and railways that are owned by commercial interests. Public transport infrastructure, detailed in the Public Transport chapter, is another large part of South Australia's transport assets. Road network There are almost 97,000km of road in South Australia. Federal, State and local governments are responsible for the provision and maintenance of roads. The State Government is responsible for roads with a replacement value of $8 billion. South Australia's road network expanded substantially in the post-war period up to the mid-1970s. By this time, the road network was mostly developed. Maintenance needs of the current network will remain high in the future because a large number of roads constructed in the 1960s and 1970s have reached the stage where the cost of maintenance rises. Inadequate past funding has not been able to keep pace with road maintenance funding needs, resulting in a backlog of road maintenance and rehabilitation works, an increasingly ageing network, and a decline in road condition. This situation has significant consequences in terms of: • High risk of significantly increased future maintenance costs as works are deferred. • Increased operating costs for road users and reduced freight efficiency. • Reduced levels of safety for road users. The current maintenance backlog for State Government roads is about $160 million, with local governments facing a similar backlog. Continuing traffic growth and heavier freight vehicles will increase wear and tear. It is financially impractical to construct additional roads to accommodate all potential traffic growth. The associated growth in transport energy consumption and emissions would also be unsustainable. Moreover, there is considerable community opposition to construction of new roads and widening of existing 86 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN roads. As a result, additional road capacity will be provided only where it is important for safety, public transport and freight. Therefore the focus will move to better utilising existing infrastructure. Rail network There are about 5,000km of rail line in South Australia, including 240 track-kilometres for the metropolitan train and tram system. The Commonwealth Government's Australian Rail Track Corporation manages 40% of the network and private companies own or lease half of the system. The State Government manages the remainder of the network, which includes the metropolitan, South East and heritage lines. The network is a mix of narrow, standard and broad gauge track. The quality of the rail network varies. The Adelaide to Perth rail line, which carries 80% of freight in the corridor is used by trains that are 1,800m long, have wagons with 21 tonne axle loads carrying double-stacked containers, and are able to travel at 115km/h. Other lines are in poorer condition. Some lines serving grain growing areas have axle load restrictions and are suitable only for lower speed operations. Nevertheless, the existing rail network has a large reserve capacity that can be exploited at relatively low incremental cost. An example is the Adelaide to Melbourne corridor, where the train line currently carries 30% of freight moved between Adelaide and Melbourne. The line is capable of carrying between four and six times the current six million gross tonnes per annum. The challenge facing the Government is to provide sufficient coordination and support to generate substantial and sustained Commonwealth Government and private sector investment in upgrading the system. Marine assets Marine assets in South Australia range from major ports, which are essential to the economy, to jetties, boat ramps and marinas that are used for recreational purposes. Infrastructure such as navigation aids and breakwaters are vital to ensure safe and reliable water transport. The major ports in South Australia are privately owned or controlled. The Government administers 'port operating agreements' to ensure that the ports are operated with due care. In general, local governments are responsible for smaller ports and jetties that serve local needs. The State Government continues to operate some smaller ports and recreational jetties, and is responsible for navigation aids. The replacement value of the Government's marine assets is approximately $170 million. The challenges are to facilitate the ongoing development of the privately owned ports for the economic benefit of the State, and maintain the other marine assets that serve non- economic purposes. Aviation assets There are over 400 airports and airstrips in South Australia. Of these, 46 are owned by local governments, 14 by the State Government, six by the Commonwealth Government and the remainder by community and private interests. Sustaining infrastructure at most of these airports is a challenge because low traffic levels do not produce sufficient income to meet maintenance needs. Only eight airports have scheduled public services. Many more, however, are important because they serve the vital role of maintaining linkages to remote communities. They support tourism, provide access to educational, medical and emergency services and aid social cohesion. 87 South Australia's Transport Network Maximising its Value Responses The Government's primary response to the backlog of asset maintenance work is to commit additional resources over 10 years of the plan to eliminating the backlog. This work will be carefully prioritised and monitored to ensure cost effective asset sustainment. Effort will also be directed to encouraging and facilitating the maintenance of the State's transport assets that are not owned by the Government. In relation to all transport infrastructure, but roads in particular, strategies will be introduced to better manage the use of the available networks. For metropolitan roads, for instance, the capacity of signalised intersections is the critical constraint on the level of service of the network, rather than road widths or missing road links. Another way of improving network performance within the existing road network is to achieve mode shifts to modes that are more efficient in use of road space, particularly public transport. Accordingly, a greater level of bus priority will be introduced to the network. As road capacity is largely determined by peak traffic flows, temporal variations in the utilisation of road space - such as clearways, high occupancy vehicle lanes and contra• flow traffic lanes - also offer the potential for more efficient use of the road network. The Government's principal initiatives for maximising network value for the next 15 years are summarised in the chart on the next page, and described in this chapter. These initiatives are strengthened by those for Maintaining Freight Competitiveness (mode shifts to rail and sea), Environmental & Social Sustainability, Public Transport, and Cycling and Walking (shifts to lower impact travel modes), and Smarter Spending (more cost- effective maintenance). Notes: • The chart shows: - the priority given to each initiative (based on current commitments, the target,s and the investment priorities set out in the Key Messages on page 6); - the estimated total cost of initiatives; and - the anticipated extent of the State Government's funding contribution. • The list does not represent actual budgetary commitments by the State Government, as these are determined on an annual basis as part of the budgetary process. • The chart includes both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives. • Due regard has been had for the State Government's current budget allocation for transport, with an emphasis on shifting transport expenditure patterns in line with Government priorities and community need, rather than significantly increasing total Government spending on transport. • Cost estimates, expressed in 2004 dollars, vary in accuracy, depending on how thoroughly the initiative has been investigated to-date. • The initiatives indicate our best current knowledge of what is required to deliver on the directions and targets of the plan. The nature and scope of initiatives may change as further investigations are undertaken and from experience gained in implementing the initiatives. • The list of priorities will be updated when the Transport Plan is reviewed every three years. • For some initiatives, implementation will require Commonwealth, local government and/or private sector funding. 88 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN SUIVIVIARY OF PRINCIPAL INITIATIVES TO IVIAXIIVISE NETWORK VALUE Funding Timing Initiatives to maximise network value Source Medium Long (5-10 yrs) (10-15 yrs) 7.1 Upgrade road maintenance and rehabilitation STATE ROADS Continue sealed and unsealed road maintenance program Remove sealed road maintenance backlog and supplement ongoing program (refer also Safety, chapter 1) NATIONAL HIGHWAY Continue National Highway maintenance program 210 Remove National Highway maintenance backlog and 90 supplement ongoing program (refer also Safety, chapter 1) Prepare an Integrated Transport Assets Management Plan covering all modes 7.2 Make better use of the existing road network Expand multi-modal transport and land use modelling capabilities (refer Smarter Spending chapter 8) Implement a strategic road system management strategy Improve priority for public transport Audit / upgrade the metropolitan Coordinated Traffic Signal system Conduct a review & upgrade of the Adelaide clearway system 10 7.3 Make targeted improvements to the road network Mawson Lakes connector road 32 Intersection and road upgrades (not related to strategic 85 freight routes) 7.4 Work with other transport infrastructure providers Coordination with Local Government Transport Plans 7.5 Take advantage of innovative technology Roll out of the Transitways Program 15 i Intelligent systems such as electronic message signs, 15 ! real time advice 9 All or mainly State Government funding ^ Shared funding (ie. with Commonwealth or local government or private sector) [j All or mainly funding from non-State Government sources. •k Initiatives with no additional cost, or that cost less than $1 million. 89 South Australia's Transport Network Maximising its Value INITIATIVES TO IVIAXIIVISE NETWORK VALUE 7.1 Upgrade road maintenance and rehabilitation New emphasis will be given to the role of road maintenance, with the target being to eliminate the road maintenance backlog by 2014. Adequate levels of service will then be sustained so that maintenance programs can be carried out at minimum whole of life cost. The scale of the task is such that the backlog will need to be reduced progressively over the 10-year period with priority given to improving the safety of the infrastructure and improving conditions for freight transport. Planned activities include: • Increased preventative maintenance works to replace aged and distressed road surfacings. • Targeted road rehabilitation works to strengthen poor roads and provide improved smoother conditions for freight transport. An adequately funded and well implemented maintenance program will aim to achieve: • Reduced transport industry operating costs and improved freight efficiency through improved travel on smoother roads. • Improved safety of the road infrastructure for road users. • Optimum life-cycle costs of providing road assets, therefore reversing the trend of delays that incurs substantially higher future treatment costs. • Preservation of the value and serviceability of these assets for future generations of road users. Together, State and local governments will seek additional Commonwealth road maintenance funding for metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia. The Government will upgrade the metropolitan rail network through the progressive introduction of concrete dual gauge sleepers to replace the existing wooden sleepers. This will allow the change from wide gauge to standard gauge. Railway stations and critical assets such as bridges will be upgraded and replaced (refer Public Transport chapter 2, section 2.1). A Transport Asset Management Plan will be prepared covering all modes. 90 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN 7.2 Make better use of the existing road network Strategic road system management framework The Government will prepare a Road System Management Strategy, reflecting the priorities of the plan, to guide the management of the road network in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. The strategy will describe the role and function of individual arterial roads, including the relative priority to be given to pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, trucks and other vehicles. Accompanying maps will assist investment decision-making and provide understanding and certainty for the community, with regard to locational decisions. The Metropolitan Adelaide Road Widening Plan will be reviewed and updated to account for the proposed road upgrading initiatives. Give priority to public transport on the road network The Government will implement a program of priority for buses across the road network through the provision of bus lanes and priority at traffic signals (refer also Public Transport chapter 2). Trains and trams will continue to be given priority over road vehicles. Bus priority will be improved primarily though the use of real-time information that facilitates the movement of buses through traffic signals, and the creation of bus lanes to bypass traffic congestion. The development of the Northern Port Access alternative freight route will allow the role of Main North Road to be focused on passenger travel needs, including greater provision of bus priority. Auditing traffic signal performance The Adelaide Coordinated Traffic Signal (ACTS) System links and coordinates 580 traffic signals on Adelaide's arterial roads. The system minimises travel time for motorists, with some bias in favour of commercial vehicles and public transport. Traffic signals in the City of Adelaide are coordinated in a separate system managed by the council. Achieving the best coordination of traffic signals requires ongoing responsiveness to changes in traffic flows and priorities. An audit of the network's traffic signal performance over the next three years will be undertaken with an annual report provided on the efficiency of the signal system as a whole. The Government will also work with the City of Adelaide to ensure the two traffic signal coordination systems are linked. Parking on arterial roads The use of clearways during peak travel times is an important component of the traffic management system in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Clearways maximise road space during peak times, facilitating movement of buses and the safer passage of cyclists. Extension of the clearway system will improve the connectivity of the road network and remove the need for expensive and intrusive road widening in the future. This is consistent with the principal role of arterial roads being the movement of traffic rather than parking. The Government will continue to work with local government to ensure the provision of off-street parking, where it is necessary to compensate for the extension of clearways. 91 South Australia's Transport Network Maximising its Value 7.3 Make targeted improvements to the road network There is the potential to significantly improve the operation of the metropolitan Adelaide rdad network through progressive upgrades of intersections that currently create bottlenecks. There are other instances where strategic road upgrades in both the urban and rural areas of the State, that are not connected to the strategic freight network, can be expected to deliver major benefits to network operations. Allowance is made for such targeted network improvements over the life of the Transport Plan. 7.4 Work with other transport infrastructure providers State, Commonwealth and local government will work cooperatively to improve the entire road network and, where possible, develop integrated road investment plans ensuring coordinated implementation of projects. A number of regional councils are developing local government Transport Plans in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Urban Planning. The plans form the basis of local planning and aim to ensure better investment decisions based on coordinated decision-making. The Commonwealth Government provides funding for the maintenance of the national highway, and is a key partner in road maintenance. The Federal Government provides grants for road construction and maintenance to local governments through the South Australian Grants Commission and directly via the Roads to Recovery Program. Auslink, which the Federal Government proposes be the basis for its financing of land transport infrastructure in the future, may result in SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S ROAD NETWORK Road Financial Length of Road (km) Category responsibility Sealed Unsealed Total National Roads Federal 2,750 2,750 Arterial Roads Urban State 910 - 910 Rural State 8,360 200 8,560 Local roads Urban Local 6,720 500 7,220 Rural ! Local 9,120 58,000 67,120 Unincorporated State 30 10,170 10,200 i Total 1 27,890 68,870 S 96,760 92 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN significant change to current funding arrangements. The State Government will continue to lobby the Federal Government to increase funding to local government from fuel excise revenue and will assist local government to access available Federal funding. Roads provide vital links to rail, sea port and air port terminals. The Government will initiate a biannual Strategic Transport Coordinating Forum with the local government Association, Flinders Ports, Adelaide Airport Limited, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and other stakeholders to facilitate the integrated development of transport infrastructure. 7.5 Take advantage of innovative technology Trial innovative traffic management Innovative traffic management offers significant opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the road system in the Adelaide metropolitan area by enabling more efficient use of the current network without recourse to expensive road widening. Examples of some of these measures already exist in Adelaide, but they have not been implemented to their full potential. The State Government will develop and implement innovative traffic management measures through a Transitways Program. The program may include: • Contra-flow traffic lanes with bus priority. • High occupancy lanes for use by buses and cars with two or three people. The Transitways Program will be initiated with a study of the potential to introduce high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes onto a number of key arterial roads in Adelaide. These lanes encourage people to ride share and provide greater efficiencies for buses when linked to the improved bus priority proposed at many intersections. Taxis will be able to use these lanes. Intelligent transport systems Technological advances allow better provision of information to transport users, and also more effective use to be made of the transport system. Examples of working systems in South Australia include the Adelaide Coordinated Traffic Signal System, the monitoring systems for the Southern Expressway and the Heysen Tunnel, and the Real-Time Passenger Information system introduced on Henley Beach Road and The Parade (refer Public Transport chapter 2) The Government will seek to make better use of intelligent transport systems as the technology improves and becomes cheaper and more widespread. As indicated in the public transport chapter, it will explore the possible extension of the real-time passenger information system to the entire public transport system, contingent upon successful trials. The Government will support a program to provide enhanced information to road users. Examples include: • Electronic signs at key transport nodes to advise road traffic of public transport services and comparative road travel times. • In-car advice about the speed limit on the road being used. • Advanced warning of congestion in the network ahead to enable better route choice. 93 Smarter Spending and Decision Making DIRECTIONS FOR SMARTER SPENDING The Government's decision-making and spending approaches will: • Ensure transparency and openness. • Shift the emphasis from new construction to better maintenance of our assets and provision of public transport services. • Continue to improve the efficiency of infrastructure and service provision. • Seek a greater share of Commonwealth Government funds for South Australia. • Ensure effective cooperation with other Government and private sector transport infrastructure providers and service operators. • Explore innovative means of financing transport infrastructure and services. • Optimise social inclusion outcomes from all expenditure. TARGET Better decisions through transparency and efficiency. STRATEGY Challenges The Government spends about $0.5 billion per year on transport in South Australia. This money needs to be spent as fairly and efficiently as possible. Funding for transport may not grow significantly in the future, given economic constraints and demands made on Government for spending in other areas such as health and education. At the same time, rising community expectations and shifts in responsibilities will place new pressures on the transport budget. This will require a new emphasis on smarter spending and decision-making in transport. Responses The Government will improve the effectiveness of its spending by placing a greater emphasis on system-wide planning, coordination within and beyond the government system and more rigorous program and project analysis. The scope of transport planning will be broadened to ensure consideration of multi-modal solutions and non-transport solutions to transport problems (such as land use policies). Approaches will be pursued to maximise investment in the transport system from the Commonwealth Government, private sector owners and operators of transport infrastructure and services, and system users. The initiatives in this chapter are strengthened by those in the chapters titled Maximising its Value (prioritising well-targeted maintenance of transport infrastructure), Environmental & Social Sustainability (promoting travel behaviour change to reduce demands on the network), and Public Transport and Walking and Cycling (promoting shifts to lower impact modes). 94 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN SMARTER SPENDING INITIATIVES 8.1 Place a priority on maintenance and upgrades Emphasis will be given to ensuring that current worthwhile assets are properly maintained. The strategy of increasing public transport services to provide an alternative to the need for car travel, is also aimed at alleviating the pressure for future road construction. 8.2 Improve decision-making on spending Making the best use of limited funds and resources requires that optimal projects and programs be implemented. Good identification and analysis of projects is vital. The recent establishment of a Transport Planning Agency in the Department of Transport and Urban Planning paves the way for more focused work in this area. The Government will expand its capacity to monitor and assess emerging trends, so that the transport implications of societal changes can be better understood. It will upgrade its transport demand modelling capabilities to provide improved projections of changes on the transport networks, and better understanding of the likely impacts of new policies, (refer initiative in Maximising its Value chapter 7, page 91). A 'triple bottom line' approach to evaluating transport programs and projects has been adopted. This means that social, environmental and land use benefits and costs are considered in program and project assessments, as well as economic benefits and costs. Methodologies for triple bottom line evaluations will be improved so that social and environmental issues are considered more effectively. Environmental and social measures required to manage the impacts of new transport infrastructure projects will form an integral part of the project budget, and will be fully considered at all stages of project development. The Government will ensure greater openness and transparency in its decision-making. It will provide the community and stakeholders with guidelines for its decision-making processes and engage them through consultation processes. 8.3 Improve Government efficiency More can be achieved if projects and services can be delivered in the most cost-effective manner. Opportunities exist for efficiencies by: • Using a program spending approach rather than a rigid, project-based approach. • Examining the merits of converting the current Highways Fund to a broader-based Transport Fund that can take a more integrated and sustainable approach to transport financing. • Continuing to reduce the unit cost of providing transport infrastructure and services, without compromising the effectiveness of the transport system. 95 Smarter Spending and Decision Making 8.4 Take a whole-of-Government approach to projects and planning decisions Effective integrated decision-making can ensure that such impacts are taken into account when decisions are made. For example, transport infrastructure projects should be planned in the context of the wider infrastructure needs of a region, in conjunction with the Office of Infrastructure and local government. Possible rationalisations in current transport land holdings (intended for future infrastructure works), to allow for the development of affordable housing, will be investigated. The Government, in partnership with the private sector, will consider the use of any appropriate land to generate opportunities to develop affordable housing, and to maximise urban development around key transport interchanges and stations. 8.5 Coordinate transport decisions Local government, the State Government, the private sector and community groups all play significant roles in the provision of transport infrastructure and services. The Government will place greater emphasis on coordinating decision-making between these sectors to enable more efficient transport investment and services. It will jointly explore with local government the statewide adoption of local government Transport Plans, which have been developed by some regional Local Government Associations and some metropolitan councils, as a means for ensuring such coordination. 8.6 Maximise the land use-transport development relationship Many decisions have land use and transport implications. Understanding and coordinating these decisions allows positive synergies to be exploited and fragmented outcomes to be avoided. More effective outcomes will be achieved by: • Locating new developments where they can take advantage of existing transport infrastructure and services and, where appropriate, encouraging medium and high-density development in the vicinity of transport nodes and along transport corridors. • Ensuring that redevelopment of major travel generators includes integrated public transport, walking and cycling access. 96 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN • Managing car and bicycle parking provision and controls. • Considering means for recognising and rewarding excellence in land use-transport projects. Other approaches to improving the relationship between land use and transport development are set out in the National Charter of Integrated Land Use and Transport Planning. The Government is committed to the aims and principles set out in the charter and will ensure these become an integral part of planning in South Australia. The Government will examine the merits of introducing a requirement for a Transport Impact Statement to be prepared for new developments generating significant traffic, to ensure provision of appropriate levels of access and management of impacts on the community. 8.7 Gain a fairer share of Federal Government funding Demands on the State have been exacerbated by the ongoing funding discrimination by the Federal Government. South Australia continues to receive inadequate transport funding relative to the population, transport assets and obligations of the State. Local government faces a similar disadvantage. The Government will seek a sustained increase in funding for South Australia. 8.8 Seek private sector funding and investment Private sector financing can support Government transport initiatives. The Government has issued guidelines that ensure that a partnering arrangement with private sector interests provides value for money to the Government, while meeting broader Government objectives. Private sector partnerships are especially useful where they can complement Government skills and resources and bring new experience and innovation to the table. 8.9 Seek innovation in providing transport infrastructure and services To date, virtually all transport funding for Government projects has been provided through conventional budgetary allocations. There is considerable scope for implementing funding practices that more closely link benefits to costs. The Government will develop, in conjunction with key parties, a cost-recovery policy for land and property development that has an impact on the road and public transport system. In addition, opportunities may exist to make better use of public transport resources in South Australia to reduce the overall cost to the community. This could involve finding better ways of delivering the wide range of community bus services available in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. 97 Smarter Spending and Decision Making 8.10 Explore means for charging for transport infrastructure and services Charging for use of infrastructure and services generates income to contribute to their cost and also encourages users to make sound travel decisions. Considerable attention has been given worldwide to deficiencies in current arrangements and to ways forward. Some means that will be investigated in South Australia are: • Imposing car parking levies. • Implementing tolls for new major transport projects. • Reviewing the level and structure of public transport fares and provision of concessions. • Developers making more significant contributions to the cost of transport - for both additional costs incurred on arterial roads and for the provision of public transport. • Capturing some of the increase in property value that results from improvements in transport. While taxation treatments are the responsibility of the Federal Government, options that warrant exploration include: • Reducing Fringe Benefits tax on employers who provide assistance for travel by public transport or bicycle. • Changing the current Fringe Benefits Tax arrangements that serve to encourage rather than discourage greater vehicle use. • Maintaining tax concessions for environmentally friendly fuels (for example, biodiesel and LPG). • Addressing Federal Government obstacles that hamper private sector investment in transport infrastructure. • Providing more flexibility within employee salary packaging for a range of transport options, especially where public transport is available. • Replacing registration fees and third party insurance with a surcharge on fuel. 98 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT PLAN