The NRMA's response to the Federal budget 2021–2022
The NRMA welcomes the 2021–2022 Federal Budget which will see a $13.4 billion investment in Australia’s transport infrastructure, including $2.9 billion for NSW and ACT roads.
The Australian Government has committed new funding to a number of crucial projects in this Budget, including:
- More than $2 billion on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow;
- $500 million for the Princes Highway corridor at the Jervis Bay Road turnoff;
- $240 million for the Mount Ousley Interchange;
- $132.5 million for Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A;
- $87.5 million for the M5 Motorway – upgrade of the Moorebank Avenue/Hume Highway intersection;
- $52.8 million for Manns Road intersection upgrades at Narara Creek Road and Stockyard Place;
- $48 million for the Harrington Road/Pacific Highway intersection upgrades at Coopernook, and;
- $26.5 million for William Hovell Drive duplication in the ACT.
The NRMA also welcomes:
- an additional $1 billion for the Road Safety Program announced in last year’s budget;
- additional $1 billion for local council roads;
- Further $18 million for Appin Road improvements, and;
- $191 million for road projects along the Newell Highway corridor.
Revenue collected from motorists through the Fuel Excise will increase by $860 million to $19.2 billion. This year, in gross terms, 28.4 cents of out the 42.7 cents per litre petrol tax (66.5 %) will be reinvested back in roads.
Excluding fuel tax credits, that means 48.9 cents out the 42.7 cents per litre petrol tax (114.6 %) is being returned to the road network.
NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund said this year’s Budget would help ease congestion and save lives.
“We welcome this investment into roads and regional roads, and note this investment reflects additional value in infrastructure spend from the fuel excise,” Mr Lund said.
“The NRMA also welcomes funding for Tourism Australia however the NRMA is committed to seeing overall tourism investment increase.
“The Commonwealth has announced we won’t be welcoming international arrivals until 2022, so it’s an important time to boost regional tourism and associated infrastructure.
The NRMA will work with Government over the coming year to identify gaps in investment for Australia’s tourism sector and boost growth.”
Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow – Construction of East and West sections
- This project will separate local and through traffic, improving freight access, network efficiency, safety and community outcomes.
- It will also facilitate growth in the NSW Central West region.
Princes Highway Corridor - Jervis Bay Road to Sussex Inlet Road – Stage 1
- This upgrade will provide a safer corridor for all transport users, and support increased capacity and traffic efficiency.
- Reduced congestion and improved travel times especially during heavy tourist periods.
Princes Highway Corridor - Jervis Bay Road Intersection
- This intersection experiences the highest volume of vehicle movements between Nowra and the Victorian border.
- Project will improve safety and reduce congestion at this intersection.
Princes Motorway – Mount Ousley Interchange
- The interchange will replace the existing intersection, which is a significant pinch point of the Motorway network, and currently experiences long queues and delays during peak periods.
- This project will improve travel times, as well as access to the Wollongong CBD and the University of Wollongong
M5 Motorway – Moorebank Avenue/Hume Highway Intersection Upgrade
- This intersection upgrade will widen three of the four interchange ramps
- Project benefits will:
- improve road safety for all road users;
- reduce congestion and improve travel times;
- improve efficiency and network reliability, and;
- improve accessibility and connectivity of road networks.
Manns Road – Intersection Upgrades at Narara Creek Road and Stockyard Place Narara
This project will supports improved road safety, improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduced travel times and reduced congestion on the Central Coast.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A
- This project will extend the Canberra Light Rail network from Canberra City to Commonwealth Park.
- Project benefits will deliver improved rail services, supporting a more integrated and effective transport system.
