Since my last column, NRMA has seen some very significant victories for our Members.
In May, the Treasurer handed down the Federal budget. The Government collects $14 billion annually through the fuel excise and returns about $2 billion to motorists through funding for better roads.
For too long you have been paying more than your fair share and it was about time we started to see some of that money returned.
By the end of budget night it was clear that we all would have reason to smile.
An additional $1 billion was announced for roads, with the Hume Highway, the F3 and the Pacific Highway the major winners. Local roads also benefited with an extra $340 million to be distributed to local councils to fix our streets.
Our award-winning fixourbloodyroads.com campaign helped return some of your taxes through more road funding.
In June, the NSW Government handed down its budget and there was more good news.
After three years of seeing the roads budget in NSW shrink, the Government announced $3.3 billion for roads – that’s $415 million more than last year. More money was announced for the Pacific and Princes highways and a commitment to fix the State’s roads.
At both the State and Federal level, you have been listened to and that is great news. However, NRMA has no intention of leaving the boxing ring yet.
Around $10 billion is needed to upgrade our coastal highways to an acceptable standard. Clearly, our job is not done yet.
NRMA’s campaign over the last 18 months against the Cross City Motorway’s road closures and over-priced toll has also delivered. The State Government’s announcement that it will begin reopening the roads is testament to NRMA and its two million Members’ influence.
The State Government should be commended for listening to the concerns of motorists, and needs to reopen the roads immediately. The $3.50 toll is too high and it’s keeping motorists away. We will continue our fight until the motorway operators listen and the toll is dropped to at least $2.90.
Our tireless campaign to get a better deal for motorists at the bowser continues. We turned up the heat when petrol prices reached $1.50 and beyond. Prices came down by as much as 15 cents and our campaign for greater scrutiny of the actions of oil companies will not rest.
None of this could have been achieved without the support of our Members. Thank you for belonging to NRMA.
Alan Evans, President
