TRANSPORT IN TASMANIA

The transport system is pivotal to Tasmania's economic and social well-being.

As an island state, Tasmania is dependent on sea and air transport for interstate and overseas movement of passengers and goods. As well, with the most regionally based population of all Australian States, Tasmania relies on an effective transport system to link its regions.

The main features of the Tasmanian transport task are:

The transport and storage industry contributes about 4.5 per cent to the Tasmanian Gross State Product (GSP);
Each week, the average Tasmanian household spends about $97 on transport, which is about 15% of average total household expenditure;
There are more than 320,000 licensed drivers and over 400,000 registered vehicles;
Tasmanian vehicles annually travel a total of over 4,300 million kilometres, or about 14,000 kilometres per registration;
One third of the kilometres travelled is for business purposes;
Each year, the Tasmanian road freight task is over 2,200 million tonne-kilometres;
Tasmania has 867 kilometres of rail network which carries substantial tonnages of bulk goods and heavy freight;
Over 15 million tonnes of freight passes through Tasmania's sea ports annually;
Over 330,000 sea passengers annually travel to or from Tasmania; and
Over 1,700,000 air passengers annually travel to or from Tasmania.

OUTPUT GROUP 1
TRANSPORT POLICY ADVICE AND PLANNING

This Output Group supports the broader strategic transport policy objectives of the Government. These objectives are shaped by moves to adopt best practice in transport services and infrastructure development and to develop consistent regulations between jurisdictions.

The outputs relate to:

Planning, development and review of passenger and freight transport policies;
Development of transport strategies to enhance the social, economic and environmental sustainable development of the State; and
Development of regional transport plans, Local Government partnerships and road and rail corridor plans.
This Output Group enables strategic progress towards achieving Tasmania's draft transport vision:
"Enhance Tasmania's development, lifestyle and community wellbeing through a safe, effective, efficient and sustainable transport system."

Key Clients
The Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources is the primary client of the Output Group.

How this Output Group is Delivered
Divisional staff primarily provide Outputs in this Group with assistance from other Divisions and external consultants. There is close liaison with stakeholders, including other agencies, local government, industry bodies and community groups.

Achievements against Strategies Identified for 2001-2002
LAND TRANSPORT PLANNING
Getting There Together
Getting There Together will become Tasmania's first integrated transport strategy. It is a statement of the Government's vision and its own long-term strategic transport direction. It shows what the transport system must do in order to play its role in achieving the vision and goals of Tasmania Together. It provides the framework for policies, strategies and programs for the transport system to best meet the needs of its users. The Department will continue to use Getting There Together as the focus for ensuring an integrated, efficient transport system and will also use it to ensure appropriate focus on and integration of outputs from all transport Output Groups.

State Roads Infrastructure Investment Strategy
The State Roads Infrastructure Investment Strategy brought together the high level strategies and the studies of specific parts of the infrastructure and other driving influences. It was a statement of how the Tasmanian Government will undertake investment in its State Roads to help achieve Getting There Together's vision. It supported economic growth, social well-being, environmental stability and the Tasmanian lifestyle. It was released in June and it underlaid the Capital Investment Program on State Roads announced as part of the 2002-2003 Tasmanian Government Budget.

National Highway Forward Strategy
This strategy, released early in 2002, proposed a five-year program of planning, maintenance and construction projects to improve the National Highway. The report also proposed several Roads of National Importance (RONI) projects, including the Arthur Highway, Bass Highway - Burnie to Smithton; North-East Tasmania Access; East Tamar Highway; Lyell Highway between Granton and New Norfolk; and Illawarra Main Road. The Commonwealth Government has acknowledged the Arthur Highway and North-East Tasmania Access as warranting RONI status and will fund these projects on a 50/50 basis with the Tasmanian Government.

Representation on National Forums
The Department was represented on important national bodies to ensure that Tasmania's needs are considered during the formulation of national transport policy. The most important national forums included Austroads and its committees; Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT) sub-committees; and the National Transport Secretariat.

Intelligent Access Project
Tasmania has led Australia and championed the use of "e-services" for the transport industry through its development of the Intelligent Access Project. The project focused on "e-compliance" against permit conditions to monitor the access of heavy vehicles to the transport network as a first step in developing public/private partnerships for the provision of a range of information services for road users. During 2001, interest in the Tasmanian Intelligent Access Project team's work reached a point where all members of Austroads committed to elevating the project to full national status.

Local Government Partnership Agreements and Regional Transport Plans
Bilateral council partnerships resulting in proposals to improve local transport systems include those with Central Highlands, Flinders, Glenorchy City and Break O'Day Councils. Regional Integrated Transport Plans aim to strategically develop the regional transport system for the long term by incorporating the requirements of all transport modes and the needs of the region and its transport users. During the year, work continued with stakeholders in developing the Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan and the Cradle-Coast Integrated Transport Plan.

Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan
Under the umbrella of the Launceston City Council and Northern Tasmanian Municipal Organisation (NTMO) Partnership Agreements, the Department is coordinating the development of the Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan (NITP). This plan has a 20-year time focus and incorporates all transport modes, balancing the future needs of freight, general motorist, public and passenger transport, walking and cycling in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner. The first part of the plan will be a high level strategic document and the draft, which was released for public comment, will be finalised in late 2002.

Cradle-Coast Authority Integrated Transport Plan
The development of the Cradle Coast Authority Integrated Transport Plan began in October 2001. To date, the main stages of the project have included:
· Establishing a working group that includes members of the Cradle Coast Authority, six of the nine Councils, the Department of State Development and DIER;

Preparing two research papers - Review of Reports and Studies and Existing Characteristics and Issues Report;
Sending preliminary research papers and a Users and Providers Survey for comments to over 50 key organisations;
Preparing a draft Framework for the Plan and an Action Plan for completing the project; and
Beginning preparation of a draft plan for completion during late 2002.
Advice and Information for Planning Scheme Development
Advice and information in the development of local planning Schemes is provided in order to provide a consistent consideration of the state road network and develop integrated land use and transport planning practices. Planing Schemes for which advice and information were provided included the Council areas of Brighton, Clarence City, Kingborough, Waratah-Wynyard, West Coast, Meander Valley and George Town.

Advice for new Developments
New developments often require major changes to traffic movements and these impacts need appropriate management. Important developments for which advice has been given include Southwood; Anvers Chocolate; Smithton Wood Centre; Hydro Tasmania wind farms; and Basslink.

North East Tasmania Access Study
Following extensive community consultation over two years, the North East Tasmania Access Study has concluded its initial stage. The report, which has community steering committee and local council endorsement, has recommended the adoption of the Golconda Road and Lilydale Main Road as the principal transport route for freight and residents between Scottsdale and Launceston. It has also recommended rectifying other network deficiencies in the North East. The Commonwealth Government has committed to funding an initial works package under the Roads of National Importance program and the Tasmanian Government has agreed to the funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Work began on developing the works program for the next four years and included necessary additional local investigations.

Frankford Main Road - Birralee Main Road - West Tamar Highway - Batman Highway Planning Study
Stage 1 of the Frankford Main Road - Birralee Main Road Strategic Assessment Study was completed and Stage 2 begun. The study will aim to determine the appropriate classification of the roads and develop a plan of works to ensure the roads meet their transport task.

Tasman Highway Planning Study
The study examined the highway section between Hobart and the Esk Main Road junction near the Chain of Lagoons. Public displays, along with community, industry and council focus groups and extensive engineering assessments, identified significant issues, with possibly the most important relating to the perceptions of tourists using the route.

Lyell Highway - Granton to New Norfolk Planning Study
A community based transport planning assessment has identified road improvement priorities and related transport strategies on the Lyell Highway and Boyer Secondary Road between Granton and New Norfolk. The transport assessment was based on a process of community consultation and considered a range of road improvement options and transport and land use strategies for the area, which align with economic, social and environmental objectives. A Steering Committee with a strong local representation oversaw the preparation of the transport assessment and the Derwent Valley Council endorsed it. The two highest priority projects have been included in the current forward works program. The remaining projects will be scoped for future prioritisation.

Brooker Highway Planning Study
The Brooker Highway is the major arterial route through Hobart's northern suburbs and Hobart's major road connection to the cities and towns of Northern Tasmania and the northern ports. As part of the Glenorchy City Council Partnership Agreement, this strategic study was undertaken in conjunction with a Main Arterial Road Study for the City. The consultants have submitted a draft report that will be considered by the Glenorchy City Council and DIER.

Margate Traffic Management Study
Focusing on the joint use of this road by highway traffic and local road users, this study was completed during the year. It recognised the differing requirements of road users and identified a road and traffic management solution with broad community support. The Government will implement the first stage through the 2002-03 Social Infrastructure Fund.

Cradle Mountain Tourist Road Project
The Cradle Mountain Tourist Road gives access to one of Tasmania's premier tourist icons and the Northern end of the State's wilderness World Heritage Area. The planning phase of this project has been completed and the design finalised. It provided an acceptable solution, while retaining a relatively narrow road within the World Heritage Area. It achieved this by combining various safety improvements and the use of regularly positioned passing bays. Construction is expected to start during late 2002.

National Highway Safety Review
The National Highway Safety Review investigated safety issues on the Bass and Midland Highways. The review included: an assessment of overtaking lane safety; the effectiveness of dual carriageways and divided single carriageways; and the impact of driver behaviour. Key stakeholders involved in the review include the Tasmanian Road Safety Council, affected local councils and relevant road user groups.

Bridgewater Bridge
The Bridgewater crossing of the Derwent River is the highest priority issue for the National Highway in Tasmania. The existing heritage structure has a limited life, requiring the construction of another bridge. There was broad agreement that the new bridge should be in the same general location as the existing one, but further work will be required to agree on its final form. The Commonwealth Government was made aware of the considerable cost of this replacement structure and it has indicated a preparedness to fund a feasible and practical solution.

Midland Highway - Perth Planning Study
This study is considering future options for the main road corridors through and around Perth. A value management workshop of stakeholders and a comprehensive socio-economic study ensured that the community had extensive input into determining the impact that proposed options would have on Perth. It resulted in broad agreement with future development directions. A Road Network Improvement Report will form the basis for a planning scheme amendment during 2002-2003.

Midland Highway - Bagdad Planning Study
The Bagdad Planning Study Report, including a major multi-criteria analysis, has been finalised. It recommended the adoption of a new corridor for the Midland Highway between Pontville and Dysart. It was supported by major stakeholders and has gained in-principle agreement from DOTARS, which has responsibility for supplying Commonwealth funding for National Highway improvements.

Epping Forest Study
Epping Forest is a small hamlet situated on the Midland Highway. Safety concerns for pedestrians, on road truck parking and through traffic, prompted scoping of a study for 2002-03 which will aim to better integrate land use and transport infrastructure. The outcome will be to improve the safety and efficiency of the National Highway.

Rail Safety
To fulfil the requirements of the Rail Safety Act 1997 and its obligations under the Inter-governmental Agreement on Rail Safety, DIER liaises with other Australian Government Rail Safety Units. This enables a nationally consistent approach to rail safety, requiring accredited operators to undertake a co-regulating role in respect of the railway's operation. Ongoing compliance audits and inspections are part of DIER's responsibility in ensuring that the operators provide safe railway operation for the public and comply with legislation and Australian Standards. Inspections and audits have resulted in improvements to the rail system, with eight heritage-tourist style operators and a commercial freight operator having safety accreditation.

Environmental Management System for Transport Activities
This project aims to improve the environmental outcomes of transport projects and achieve compliance with environmental and heritage legislation through implementation of an Environmental Management System. The Environmental Module of the Road Information Management System (RIMS) became operational and the loading of extensive data facilitated easy, effective, reliable screening of transport projects for environmental issues, improving environmental outcomes. Workshops resulted in the production of the Department's first Environmental Improvement Plan and its implementation began.

Conara Roadside Park
Conara Roadside Park is a National Highway rest area and associated grassy woodland which has been redeveloped as a native grassland, native plant arboretum and roadside environment interpretation centre. The Park was identified as being important for protection of biodiversity and will become a strategic location for development as an area where a 'bank' of native plant species particularly dependent on roadsides can be displayed and managed for protection and propagation. A shelter shed was completed and will be used for interpretive displays explaining the significance of the Midlands environment and DIER's roadside plant management and practices. Local community representations have resulted in a plan to paint a mural onto the back of the shelter shed. Incorporation of electric barbecue and wash-up facilities resulted in the park becoming considered for incorporation as a Rest, Revive and Survive station on the National Highway.

Wildlife Roadkill Trial
In collaboration with Tourism Tasmania, the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE), the Tasmanian Environment Centre and the University of Tasmania, DIER was successful in obtaining a Commonwealth funded Sustainable Tourism Grant to trial a range of wildlife roadkill mitigation devices. Trials will be undertaken in a number of localities, predominantly along State Roads.

Heritage Risk Assessment
The Heritage Risk Assessment undertaken along all State Roads has been completed. More than 2000 sites of historic cultural heritage, documented either within or adjacent to the road reserve, have been entered into the Road Information Management System (RIMS) environmental module to ensure easy, effective screening of transport projects for potential heritage impact.

Traffic Noise
Traffic noise has increasingly become an issue of public concern. In particular, there have been complaints about night -time noise disturbing sleep. Tests have resulted in construction of some noise attenuation structures.

PASSENGER TRANSPORT POLICY
Passenger Transport Reference Group
A Passenger Transport Reference Group has been established to provide an end user consultation mechanism for public transport throughout the state. The group has representation from Tasmanians with Disabilities, Multicultural Tasmania; Women Tasmania; Youth Network of Tasmania; Tourism Tasmania; TasCOSS; and the Council on the Ageing. The first meeting provided input into the Passenger Transport Strategy 2000-05 paper. The second meeting was held in conjunction with Metro Tasmania to workshop opportunities for the improvement of Metro services in the State. The third meeting considered the development of the Department's policy relating to access in regional areas.

Review of Taxi Industry Act
The review of the Taxi and Luxury Hire Car Industry Act 1995 began as an initiative under the National Competition Policy (NCP). The development of the recommendations made under the review continued during 2001-02. Consultation was undertaken with industry and a public benefits test was commissioned in order to test a range of options. It is expected that a set of recommendations will be made to Cabinet in the last quarter of 2002.

Taxi Camera Legislation
Significant work was undertaken in conjunction with the Taxi Industry Association of Tasmania to develop a framework for the introduction of taxi security cameras in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. The framework consists of camera technical and operational specifications, regulations governing their installation, use and inspection, and funding mechanisms to cover their purchase, installation and ongoing maintenance. As part of a comprehensive Regulatory Impact process, interested parties were given an opportunity to comment on the camera proposal.

Taxi Cost Model
Development of an accurate and transparent mechanism for determining the operational costs of taxis continued. The completed model will serve as an update on the existing approach, allowing the Government to predict the impact of its regulatory involvement in this industry. The model will also serve a consumer protection role, by monitoring and regulating the maximum fare rates allowable for taxi services in the State. Consultation with industry continued and a small consultancy was undertaken which benchmarked cost both within the state and other jurisdictions.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) the response time for disabled users of accessible taxi services must be equivalent to response times of conventional taxi services. This objective is to be achieved in a time frame to be finalised, but is expected to be the next 20 years. At present Tasmania has few Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WAT). The introduction of a high standard fleet of significant size represents a challenge to the industry, given the high capital and running costs of this type of vehicle. Furthermore, the industry's accountability in discharging its obligations under the DDA increases the administrative task. Significant work has been undertaken in order to develop a policy framework, which will provide incentive for the provision of WAT vehicles and services by the taxi industry. Work is continuing on this project.

Bus Industry Reviews
The passenger transport legislation proclaimed in 2000 requires a review of Core Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) services provided by buses to be undertaken within an interim period scheduled to expire in June 2005. The reviews consist of two distinct phases - the first by industry and the second an independent review. In the industry phase, bus operators within a regional area are given an opportunity to review their activities with a view to improving service levels and efficiencies. Participants can then lodge a service plan for consideration by the Minister. The independent phase of the reviews considers all Core RPT operations in an independent and objective manner. An outcome of the reviews will be long-term contracts for those remaining within the industry. The Passenger Transport Policy Branch has been working on developing policies and strategy to underpin both phases of the reviews.

Smart Card Ticketing
The smart card ticketing project began in 2000-01 and at that stage assessed the feasibility of introducing smart card technology to provide accurate data on patronage and assist in the administration of payments to bus service operators receiving funding from the Government. That phase of the project was successfully completed in 2000-01. The second phase was designed to develop and assess a business case for the implementation of the system which was scoped and designed in the first stage. A specialist consultant was engaged and a business case developed.

TRANSPORT LOGISTICS
Bass Strait Sea Passenger Access and Infrastructure
An inter-governmental Joint Working Group (JWG) from the Tasmanian, Victorian and Commonwealth Governments' transport portfolios collected and studied information on impediments to, and the future requirements for, Bass Strait sea passenger travel between Tasmania and mainland Australia. The JWG's final report was submitted in November 2001 to participating Government Ministers and this provided a major contribution to the decisions for both the acquisition of the two replacement ferry vessels and the changes introduced to Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme parameters.

Bass Strait Visitor Access Study
The $200,000 Bass Strait Visitor Access Study (BSVAS) was commissioned by the Tourism Council of Tasmania and conducted by consultants PPK Environment and Infrastructure who completed an independent and comprehensive analysis of passenger access to Tasmania by air and sea. The study looked at concerns that transport arrangements across Bass Strait constrained the development of tourism in Tasmania. The BSVAS Strategy Report was made public in October 2001 and also provided a major contribution to the decision for acquisition of the two replacement ferries.

Tasmanian Export Council
The Tasmanian Export Council (TEC) has continued to focus on collaborative action to improve freight service quality, remove impediments to efficient and reliable transport of goods from Tasmania, and encourage communication along supply chains and across land-sea and land-air interfaces. Initiatives funded and supported included: GST and Customs Re-engineering seminars; Tasmanian Airfreight Users Survey Logistic Chain Quality Management case studies; Fruit Fly Resistant bag and packaging trial; and Perishable In Transit data retrieval trial. The value of this work has led to changes and improvements in freight logistics out of Tasmania and through this, improved competitiveness of Tasmanian products.

ISO Pallet and Container use and/or Standardisation in Australian Logistics Study
This study investigated the costs and benefits of moving from a dual standard system to the one International Standards Organisation (ISO) approved system for Pallets and Containers in Australia. The study found a strong conceptual strategic case exists for the adoption by Australia of ISO pallet and associated packaging sizes. As a result of the findings, an implementation and communication strategy is under development.

Derwent River Water Transport Revitalisation Study
A study of possible future Derwent River ferry services (commuter, tourist and recreational) under the auspices of the Southern Tasmanian Councils, and as part of the Government's Partnership Agreement with the Glenorchy City Council, has been undertaken and is being finalised. It will identify economically feasible opportunities that promote and enhance water-based transport in Southern Tasmania.

Additional Achievements
Issues Arising from the Collapse of Ansett Airlines
Before its collapse, Ansett provided passenger services to five Tasmanian airports through a subsidiary (Kendell Airlines). It also provided substantial night airfreight services to Tasmania. Its collapse on 14 September 2001 therefore resulted in considerable disruption to the carriage of passengers and airfreight to and from Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Access Taskforce, consisting of officers of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Tourism Tasmania and key tourism industry representatives, worked closely with the TT-Line, the Federal Government, Qantas, Australian air Express, Virgin Blue and Ansett's administrators over several months to address the issues associated with the movement of passengers and airfreight to and from Tasmania.
The Airfreight Working Group, consisting of representatives of airfreight consolidators and forwarders, exporters of perishable Tasmanian produce, Australian air Express, the Tasmanian Export Council, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and industry and departmental officers, specifically addressed the efficient movement of airfreight.

Aerodrome Fees Act 2002
The Aerodrome Fees Act 2002 is designed to make it easier for Tasmanian airport operators to recover landing fees. The Department facilitated the preparation of a draft Bill, consulted with aerodromes and aerodrome users on the proposal, and facilitated the development of the final Bill as well as its eventual passage through Parliament. A copy of the Act is available electronically at http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au

Cape Barren Island Aerodrome
In order to enable the introduction of the remote area subsidy scheme (RASS), the Department, after identifying the shortcomings of the existing infrastructure at the Cape Barren Island aerodrome, instigated a survey of the facility by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which supported the Department's findings. As a consequence, the following upgrading work was undertaken: re-shaping the existing runway crown and surrounding surfaces, improving drainage, establishment/enhancement of pilot aids and management of encroaching vegetation. As an outcome of this project, the Cape Barren Island community will enjoy a weekly regular passenger transport service.

Strategic Freight Corridor Study
The National Transport Secretariat (NTS) was asked by the Australian Transport Council to strategically analyse the capacity and operating performance of transport freight corridors critical to the national economy. Work undertaken by the NTS and the Department has identified seven nationally strategic freight corridors in Tasmania and two proposals have been submitted to the NTS under the proposed National Freight Transport Initiative (NFTI). These are a submission for development of the Hobart to Melbourne corridor and a Northern Tasmania submission (Smithton to Scottsdale).

Australian Maritime Group (AMG)
Both Marine and Safety Tasmania (Vessel Safety and Regulation) and DIER represent Tasmania at AMG. Over 2001-02 AMG's main focus has been on a replacement marine safety radio communications system, vessel standards and national regulation consistency, revised strategic and work plans, pallet and container size standardisation, impediments to coastal shipping in the national freight task, transport of dangerous goods, salvage tug capability and several environment protection legislation issues (including National Plan agreement).

Cold Chain Logistics Supply Mapping and Re-engineering Project
This project was an Integrated Logistics Network (ILN), in which the Department co-ordinated work involved with Tasmanian producers to improve the cold chain quality for live and fresh produce out of Tasmania. This project was completed in February 2002 by South Australian consultant Pattens Strategists and looked at seven demand-supply chains from various states around Australia. Products investigated in the study include beef, mutton, cheese, plums, mangoes, salmon and lobsters. The study authors are returning to interview the case study businesses from the original report to determine the perceived value companies have received from participating in the project, and identifying what changes may be adopted to re-engineer the supply chain.

Community Awareness Activities
Workshops with Community Involvement
Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan Workshop
Cradle-Coast Linear Infrastructure and Freight workshop
Cradle-Coast Tourism and Transport Workshop
North-East Tasmania Access Study - 8 focus groups
Tasman Highway Planning Study - 8 focus groups
Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan Workshop
Glenorchy Precinct Consultation for Brooker Highway Study - 8 focus groups
Brooker Highway Study Consolidating Workshop
North Huon Road Planning study - 15 Community workshops
Public Displays
Lyell Highway - Granton to New Norfolk Planning Study - Road Improvement Priorities
Margate Traffic Management Study - 2 public displays
North East Tasmania Access Study - 6 public displays
Tasman Highway Planning Study - 2 public displays
Community Meetings
Molesworth - Granton pedestrian access and public transport issues
North East Tasmania Access Study - 2 public meetings
North Huon Road Planning Study - 6 meetings including public displays
Community Based Steering Groups
Lyell Highway - Granton to New Norfolk Planning Study
North-East Tasmania Access Study
Midland Highway Reference Panel for the National Highway Forward Strategy
Tasman Highway
Cradle Mountain Tourist Road Study
Margate Traffic Management Study
Tasman Highway Planning Study
Tasman Bridge Cycle Ramp Planning Process
Taroona Cycle Lane Extension Planning Process
Community Surveys
Cradle-Coast Users and Providers Survey