The need to get 'back on track'

18 September 2001

Australia is not perceived externally as a highly urbanised nation but the fact is we are one of the most highly urbanised countries in the world. Australia also has the highest truck use, per capita, in the world and with New Zealand, its cities are heavily car dependant.

The overdependence on road transport is a problem that needs to be remedied, according to the University of Wollongong's Associate Professor Philip Laird.

In "Back on Track; Rethinking Australian and New Zealand Land Transport", a new book that Professor Laird co-wrote with Professor Newman and Dr Kenworthy of Murdoch University, and Dr Mark Bachels of Christchurch City Council, the high cost of road transport is addressed and an $8 billion per annum 'road deficit' identified.

The book published by UNSW Press identifies a decade of 'policy paralysis' by the Federal Government. It also sets out a vision for the future, with 10-point plan for Australian land transport, to get 'back on track'.

"Far from being an old, obsolete form of transport, rail is critical to how a modern efficient city can work. This was demonstrated by the Sydney Olympics," Professor Laird said.

"There is also scope, with modest intercity track upgrades, for rail to be winning much more interstate freight."

For further information contact Associate Professor Philip Laird on (02) 4221 3421.