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.

The outputs relate to:

Planning, development and review of passenger and freight transport policies;

Development of transport strategies to enhance the social, economic and environmentally sustainable development of the State; and

Development of regional transport plans, Local Government partnerships and road corridor plans.
Key Clients
The Minister for Infrastructure is the primary client of the Output Group.

How this Output Group is Delivered
Divisional staff primarily produce 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 2002/2003
 

LAND TRANSPORT PLANNING

AusLink
Auslink is the Australian Government's proposed land transport infrastructure reform policy. A Green Paper outlining the reasons for developing AusLink was subsequently produced by the Australian Government. A significant amount of work has already been undertaken by the Infrastructure Policy Division on the development of a policy position and strategic response to this proposed land transport planning framework. Input into the development of the national land transport plan will continue with the project being closely linked to the State Transport Infrastructure Plan.

National Highway Forward Strategy
The Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services requires all State road authorities to prepare a National Highway Strategy Report each year. The National Highway in Tasmania incorporates the Bass Highway from Burnie to Launceston and the Midland Highway from Launceston to Bridgewater. As it links the major urban areas with each other and the major ports, it comprises the most important roads interconnecting Tasmania. DIER's report proposed a five-year recommended program of planning, maintenance and construction projects to improve the National Highway and roads recognised as being Roads of National Importance.

Representation on National Forums
DIER actively participates on a number of significant national bodies. This ensures seamless integration with the transport systems throughout Australia and facilitates incorporation of best practice into DIER transport policies and implementation plans. National forums include Austroads and its committees; Standing Committee on Transport sub-committees; and the National Transport Secretariat.

Local Government Partnership Agreements and Regional Transport Plans
Bilateral Partnership Agreements provide the opportunity for the parties to consider means of working cooperatively to improve local transport system outcomes. The preparation and review of Partnership Agreements has occurred with the following Councils: Northern Midlands, West Tamar, George Town, Devonport, Circular Head, Latrobe and Dorset.
Regional Integrated Transport Plans have also been developed and aim to strategically develop the transport system at a regional level within a statewide context over a long-term period. The plans have a 20-year time focus and incorporate 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.

Cradle Coast Integrated Transport Plan
Following completion of research and issues papers and stakeholder consultation, work focused on addressing the priority issues raised. A draft Integrated Transport Plan for the region was developed. The final draft Integrated Transport Plan and supporting information papers are currently being considered prior to further stakeholder consultation.

Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan
The workgroup that coordinated the development of the Northern Tasmanian Integrated Transport Plan comprised representatives from DIER and Region North member councils. Developing the plan has increased the cooperation and common purpose between Local and State government to levels that have not previously been achieved. The first part of the plan is a high level strategic document. The final draft is due to be agreed in 2003.

Hobart Waterfront
The Capital City Partnership Agreement requires a strategy for the development of the Hobart Waterfront. In April 2003, the Premier and the Lord Mayor of Hobart released the Terms of Reference for the Hobart Waterfront Project that includes two primary elements:

the preparation of an urban design framework that will outline what activities and development should occur in the area; and
the preparation of an investment, marketing and coordination strategy that will outline how investment will be facilitated.
Initial work has focused on advising on the terms of reference and establishing the governance structure and process for the project.

Advice and Information on Planning System Initiatives and Planning Schemes
Advice on initiatives within the Resource Management and Planning System is coordinated across the Agency's portfolio areas, including mining, forestry, transport and infrastructure, focusing on strategic matters. Advice and information were provided on a wide range of initiatives under the Resource Management and Planning System, including: Planning Directive No. 1 Common Planning Scheme Template, Draft Planning Directive No. 2 Public Reserves in Planning Schemes, the draft State Noise Policy and the State of the Environment Report. Planning Schemes for which advice and information were provided included the following Council areas: Kentish, Clarence, Devonport, Latrobe, George Town, West Tamar, Brighton and Derwent Valley. Advice on major planning/development projects included the Mussleroe Wind Farm, Vestas, the introduction of reticulated natural gas and the Smithton Wood Centre.

Freight Demanders' Survey
Tasmania's State roads need to be constructed to an adequate standard to safely and efficiently carry their volume and mix of traffic. Heavy vehicles support the Tasmanian economy by moving freight from mines and forests, between factories and to wholesale and retail outlets. As freight trucks are the largest vehicles on the roads, the roads used by these vehicles need to be appropriately constructed. To identify the most important roads for heavy vehicles and the State's economy, DIER has begun a Survey of Heavy Freight Demanders. The information from the survey will ensure that the most important roads are objectively identified as such on a consistent basis, regardless of whether a road is owned by Local or State Government.

North East Tasmania Access Study
The Commonwealth Government has approved an initial package of works as being a Road of National Importance project. This follows extensive public consultation and strategic planning through Stage 1 of the North-East Tasmania Access Study. Ongoing work has identified a preferred corridor for the western approach to Scottsdale and defined priority construction projects along the rest of the corridor.

Frankford Main Road - Birralee Main Road - West Tamar Highway - Batman Highway Planning Study
The first stage of the study has been completed and road hierarchy classifications applied to the roads under study. The second stage of the study is identifying priority construction works for improvements.

Epping Forest Study
Epping Forest has become a popular rest and refuelling stop for heavy vehicles and travellers on the Midland Highway. This has led to safety concerns and the planning study examined options to improve safety and better integrate land use with the National Highway. The study recommended short and medium term solutions that are supported by major stakeholders. DIER is preparing a Project Initiation Brief to be submitted to the Commonwealth Government.

Bridgewater Bridge
The Bridgewater crossing of the Derwent River is the highest priority issue for the National Highway in Tasmania. A range of upgrading concepts has been developed. Substantial data has been sought on the following issues: the timber piles; geotechnical concerns; traffic and performance of the various upgrading concepts; costs for the construction of a new bridge; and costs for refurbishment of the existing bridge. When all of this data is available, DIER will be in a better position to objectively assess the upgrading concepts and determine the most appropriate solution.

Midland Highway - Perth Planning Study
This study considers options for the main road corridors through and around Perth. The report, which is currently being finalised, has broad community support. Its findings about the highway's requirements will be incorporated into the Northern Midlands Council Planning Scheme. The study has also identified the short-term need for upgrading road junctions within Perth.

Midland Highway - Bagdad Planning Study
All major stakeholders, including the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, have given "in-principle" support for the adoption of an eastern corridor for the Midland Highway that bypasses Bagdad. Because of issues associated with the finalisation of the new Southern Midlands Planning Scheme, the incorporation of the future corridor into the scheme has been delayed.

National Highway Safety Review
The National Highway Safety Review investigated safety issues on the Bass and Midland Highways. The final report included: an assessment of overtaking lane safety; consideration of the effectiveness of dual carriageways and divided single carriageways; and consideration of the impact of driver behaviour. Key stakeholders involved in the review included affected local councils and relevant road user groups. The study resulted in the drafting of a submission to the Commonwealth Government for funding overtaking lanes on the Bass Highway.

Rail Safety
To fulfil the requirements of the Rail Safety Act 1997 and to ensure that accredited rail operators provide safe railway operation for the public and comply with legislation and Australian Standards, DIER requires ongoing compliance audits and inspections. These have resulted in improvements to the rail system and services. To fulfil its obligations under the Inter-governmental Agreement on Rail Safety and to achieve best practice, DIER liaises with other States and the Commonwealth on rail safety matters. The Australian Transport Council has endorsed the development of a uniform and nationally consistent approach to rail safety accreditation and any new system that is established is likely to change the rail accreditation framework and its processes.

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. An internal report on the availability of data for indicating environmental performance was completed and work began on reviewing the Environmental Policy. The Environmental Module of the Road Information Management System was improved by adding data about species and environmental features which may trigger the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and by collecting data about significant sites for geological interpretation and education. This has increased the utility of the facility to screen transport projects for environmental issues and will improve environmental outcomes. Three training sessions in use of the Environmental Module were conducted during the year and a revision of the training material was completed.

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 Minister for Infrastructure opened the renovated Park in November 2002.

TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

Derwent River Water Transport Revitalisation Study
An independent study conducted during 2002 of existing Derwent River ferry services and economically feasible opportunities to promote and enhance future water-based transport opportunities (commuter, tourist and recreational) suggested possible improvements and potential for ferry services and infrastructure to meet identified market demand. It also considered linkages with other transport networks. The Consultant's report (Parsons Brinckerhoff) was submitted to the Steering Committee on 26 November 2002. It concluded with a summary of key findings and a suggested way forward to promote appropriate water transport activity.

Ports Business Plans and Performance Monitoring
Tasmania's four major seaports are vital components of transport infrastructure, with 99% of the State's trade passing through them. Government Minister shareholders are kept informed of developments that affect their investments by a detailed reporting framework that provides annually updated three-year Business Plans and six-monthly company performance information, emphasising both financial and operational considerations. A revised reporting framework was developed in 2002/03 to enable improved standardised monitoring and this has now been implemented.

Tasmanian Freight Logistics Council
To better reflect its purpose, the Tasmanian Export Council has been renamed the Tasmanian Freight Logistics Council. Its purpose is to bring shippers, service providers and other stakeholders together into a Tasmanian freight community focused on actions for mutual benefit and contributing to economic growth. DIER provides a substantial portion of its financial and human resources. Major issues facilitated included: circumstances arising from the collapse of Ansett Airlines; the introduction of Impulse and Virgin Blue as minor but important freight carriers; the additional capacity from the introduction of the daily ferry service from Melbourne; and ANL's re-establishment as a cargo carrier out of Burnie and Bell Bay.

Domestic and International Airfreight Services
Exports of live and fresh produce, particularly seafood destined for Asian markets, are an important contribution to Tasmania's economy. In preparation for the increasing demands on airfreight capacity out of Tasmania through the spring and summer peak period, DIER worked closely with the Airfreight Working Group until it concluded its activities in October 2002. At this time, it had become apparent that adequate capacity existed to meet the needs of exporters. The Tasmanian Freight Logistics Council continues to work with exporters and airfreight providers on peak demand issues.

Furneaux Group Shipping Services
A detailed review of the contract for shipping services to the Furneaux Group was concluded during 2002/03. The revised contract provides for at least weekly scheduled services to Lady Barron on Flinders Island, monthly services to Cape Barren Island and services as required to Clarke Island. In addition, services are also provided between the Furneaux Group and Victorian ports as required.

Intrastate Aviation Services
While Tasmania's intrastate aviation services are provided on a fully commercial basis, extensive facilitation of regular aviation services to Flinders Island in particular has been necessary. These services have recently undergone substantial change, with a new operator providing scheduled services in addition to the established operator. Considerable analysis was also undertaken with regard to Tasmania's smaller airports during 2002/03. These airports are owned and operated mainly by Councils, with the Break O'Day Council in particular receiving assistance on airport matters in accordance with its partnership agreement with the Tasmanian Government. As a result of changes to the Commonwealth's Civil Aviation (Carriers Liability) Act, changes were also made to the Tasmanian Civil Aviation Act to harmonise the two sets of legislation.

Air and Maritime Security
DIER contributed to a multi-agency taskforce considering air and sea security. As a result, a range of measures affecting port facilities, port operators, ships and shipping companies will be implemented prior to mid-2004. These will ensure mandatory basic requirements are in place for preventing and suppressing acts of terrorism against ships, passengers and cargo. These new measures are required to meet minimum criteria that will avoid disruption to international sea trade and travel processes. The Australian Government has been working collaboratively with all State Governments, national shipping, ports, off-shore exploration and production industries, and with the New Zealand Government, in two separate forums to develop a consistent position and sets of appropriate compliance criteria and legislation. DIER has represented Tasmanian interests to these groups and provides liaison and information to keep the industry abreast of developments and is involved in the ports' security committees. The Australian Government, through the Department of Transport and Regional Services, has also been working to harmonise Australia's aviation security framework with international requirements, which will result in strengthening security arrangements. DIER has represented Tasmania's interests during this process.

PASSENGER TRANSPORT POLICY

Passenger Transport Reference Group

The Passenger Transport Reference Group continued to function during 2002/03. The group provides 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, Local Government Association of Tasmania, Tourism Tasmania, TasCOSS and the Council on the Ageing. The Group met to consider the draft findings of research undertaken to identify the level of need for public transport in the Greater Hobart area. The Group also participated in the public seminar on passenger transport organised by the Australian Institute of Transport and Logistics with the support of DIER. Regional meetings with local representatives of the stakeholder associations within the Group were also conducted in Burnie and Launceston to assist in the development of the Department's policy relating to access in regional areas.

Review of Taxi Industry Act
During 2002/03, DIER continued detailed consultation with Treasury to finalise a Cabinet submission in response to the recommendations made by the independent Review Group following its assessment of the Taxi and Luxury Hire Car Industries Act 1995, as required under the National Competition Policy (NCP). Recommendations finalised for inclusion in the Cabinet Minute were based on additional consultation with the taxi industry stakeholders and a public benefits test which had been commissioned in 2000/01 to test a range of options.

Taxi Camera Legislation
With the support of the Taxi Industry Association of Tasmania, DIER has worked to finalise the technical and operational specifications of the taxi security camera systems to be endorsed for installation in the taxi regions of Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. The Department worked closely with camera system manufacturers, and referred to the experience of other Australian jurisdictions, to ensure that camera systems approved for Tasmania are technically reliable, efficient and operationally effective. Draft regulations based on approved technical specifications will be finalised in the first quarter of 2003/04.

The Department had a series of discussions with those sections of the industry opposed to the mandatory introduction of cameras to explain why the introduction of security cameras should not be voluntary.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
The Department further developed the range of its proposed amendments to the Taxi and Luxury Hire Car Industries Act 1995 in order to facilitate the introduction of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) to meet the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). At present Tasmania has few Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and 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. Significant additional work has been undertaken by the Department and a Cabinet submission has been finalised with a range of funding and policy recommendations to provide effective incentives for operators to increase the number and quality of WAT vehicles available to the disabled community.

Bus Industry Reviews
The Passenger Transport Legislation proclaimed in 2000 requires that a review of core Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) services provided by buses be undertaken within an interim period scheduled to expire in June 2005. The reviews consist of two distinct phases, the first undertaken by industry and the second an independent review. The Department has refined the policy framework within which the review process is to proceed. There was additional consultation with regional forums to develop support for the access principles developed in the previous period and there was further consultation with the industry association to progress the Bus Cost Model as the basis for remuneration of school transport in the post-review period. A preliminary draft of the terms of reference for the independent review was completed and a draft policy for defining standards for core services in metropolitan areas was also delivered.

Study of Need for Public Transport in Greater Hobart Area
The Department commissioned an external consultant to conduct a major assessment of the need for public transport in the Greater Hobart area. The report used population data to demonstrate the level of need for public transport in each census collector district and identified those suburbs with very high levels of need as measured on a number of objective measures. The report also measured the level of services provided to each census collector district to identify those areas that have high need but relatively low levels of service. This work will be used to further develop a consistent policy for determining standards for core services in metropolitan areas around the State.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

Passenger Transport Users' Reference Group meeting to share initial results stemming from a major study of transport needs in the Greater Hobart area.

Public workshop on the provision of public transport in Tasmania, June 2003.

Regional seminars to introduce draft guidelines for taxi accreditation.

Steering committee member of the Tasmanian Youth Transport Strategy conducted by the Office of Youth Affairs. In developing the strategy a workshop was held in February 2003 with representation from key stakeholders.

Blumont to Scottsdale Road Corridor Assessment community workshop.

Community Based Steering Groups: North-East Tasmania Access Study, Cradle Mountain Tourist Road Study, Somerset Traffic Management Study Steering Group, Tasman Highway Planning Study, Taroona Cycle Lane Extension Planning Process.