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25 May 2001Meeting in DarwinThe Australian Transport Ministers Council (ATC) met in Darwin today to progress a number of national transport related issues. RAILInterstate Rail Network Performance Audit Mr David Marchant, Chief Executive Officer of the ARTC, briefed Ministers on the outcome of the recent performance and investment audit undertaken on the Interstate Rail Network. Ministers reaffirmed their full commitment to national rail reform and its pursuit with full vigour. Ministers noted the report and agreed to consider at their next meeting a detailed response to the key cross jurisdictional issues raised by the Audit. Ministers requested senior transport officials from all jurisdictions to work with rail authorities and industry to make recommendations to the November ATC on revised performance targets for corridors on the interstate rail network. Ministers will receive updates on progress between now and November. In addition, Ministers have asked relevant track managers to advise the next meeting of ATC on the models they will use to achieve Ministers objectives for the harmonised access and system management integration outcomes proposed by the Audit to support government investment. Track managers will also report on the scope for efficiencies and harmonisation from the joint adoption of new technology safe-working systems on the interstate network when existing systems are replaced. The Audit investment conclusions will be considered in the context of the budget processes, taking account of progress in achieving the system integration objectives of Ministers. Ministers agreed that the findings of a current Tasmanian rail freight corridor study be presented as part of the overall network audit report. Level Crossings ATC members considered the results of preliminary research undertaken by the Australian Rail Operations Unit into reducing collision risk at level crossings including those fitted with passive protection signs. Members agreed that Austroads, the Association of Australian Road Authorities, would conduct a survey of current standards and practice across Australia and New Zealand and recommend on best practice approaches to reducing collision risk at passive level crossings. National Code of Practice for the Defined Interstate Rail Network ATC finalised the Regulatory Impact Statement providing for a voluntary industry Code of Practice for the rail industry. The Code has been developed in partnership with industry and will boost rail operational efficiency by providing uniform practices on the interstate rail network. This agreement clears the way for the Commonwealth to publish the Code and for industry to commence implementation as early as June 2001. Best Practice Rail Safety Investigation Ministers noted the report on progressing best practice rail safety investigations and open reporting and agreed to progress guidelines to trigger independent investigations. Ministers noted that the Commonwealth would proceed with legislation to enable the ATSB to investigate accidents and serious incidents on the interstate rail system, funded by the Commonwealth, and would consult with States and Territories on its implementation. ROADNational Road Transport Commission (NRTC) Implementation Status Report Ministers noted the progress made with implementation of road transport reforms from the initial Reform Modules and the First and Second Heavy Vehicle Reform Packages. Ministers were pleased to note that since the last report, two more reforms (the Australian Road Rules and Enhanced Safe Carriage and Restraint of Loads) have been implemented on a national basis. Adjustment Procedure for Heavy Vehicle Charges Ministers agreed to implement a formula to increase charges by 1 October 2001 or as soon as possible. This would automatically adjust heavy vehicle charges annually in line with changes in road expenditure and expected changes in road use and the number of vehicles in the fleet in years when there is no full charges determination. The maximum increase would be limited to a ceiling of underlying CPI and this would be matched by a floor of 0%. This approach is consistent with the charging principles aimed at cost recovery in the Heavy Vehicles Agreement and would provide graduated steps in charges between full charges determinations. The next full determination is scheduled for 2003/04. Third Heavy Vehicle Reform Package Ministers noted progress of the Third Heavy Vehicle Reform Package involving a comprehensive program of reform to achieve safety, productivity and environmental objectives for road transport. Reforms will be submitted to ATC for approval progressively to the end of 2003, with implementation extending beyond this period. Performance-Based Standards for Heavy Vehicles Ministers endorsed a proposed policy framework for the development of a performance-based standards (PBS) approach to heavy vehicle regulation. PBS will provide a national and comprehensive approach to ensuring the safe operation of heavy vehicles, the protection of roads and bridges and the fostering of transport productivity and innovation. These benefits are estimated at approximately $200 million per annum when implemented nationally. The overall project is expected to be completed in mid 2003. NEVDIS- Level of Implementation Ministers noted a report on the level of implementation of the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) by the States and Territories. The report indicates that NEVDIS will be fully operational on a national basis by the end of 2001, which Minsters agreed will be a significant achievement. Higher Mass Limits Implementation Progress Ministers noted the report on progress with the implementation of higher mass limits across jurisdictions. The report indicates that NSW will be opening the Newell Highway to higher mass limits vehicles from 1 July 2001. This will open up a route from Melbourne to Brisbane and will be an essential link in the developing national network of higher mass limits routes. School Bus Safety ATC noted a report prepared for it by Austroads and agreed to release the report and that the issues raised in the report be examined by a newly created advisory body, the School Bus Safety Advisory Group. This issue is subject to a separate media release. NSW Road Safety Task Force Report Ministers noted the key recommendations with national significance arising from the NSW Road Safety Task Force. Ministers requested that the current review of Australian Design rules examine the case for improved seat belt warning systems in new vehicles and that work be undertaken by Austroads or automatic crash notification devices and infrastructure. Ministers also noted that most newer vehicles increased occupant survivability in an accident and expressed their support for the fitting by vehicle manufacturers of lap and sash seatbelts in the middle rear seat of all new cars. Wire Rope Safety Barriers ATC requested that further research on the use of wire rope safety barriers, in relation to motorcyclists, be undertaken by the Standing Committee on Transport. MARITIMENational Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by oil and other noxious and Hazardous Substances Ministers agreed to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by oil and other noxious and Hazardous Substances with officials to finalise consideration of funding aspects. This agreement is subject to the normal Cabinet processes of all jurisdictions. AVIATIONRegional Airlines Ministers discussed the financial pressures on small regional operators and agreed that the issue should be investigated further and asked that the Aviation Working Group, a high level Commonwealth/State/Territory body, examine then issue and provide a report back to ATC at its next meeting in November. MULTI MODAL TRANSPORT ISSUESAccessible Transport ATC members agreed that the National Transport Secretariat will provide cross-jurisdictional advice to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission when considering applications for temporary exemptions from the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. Members noted that the Commonwealth intends to proceed with the legislative amendment to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to allow for exemptions. The Standards will then be tabled and come into effect in the Spring 2001 sittings. National Transport Secretariat ATC endorsed a strategic outcomes statement and national framework for planning and policy development statement for strategic transport issues. A separate communique will be released next week. Ministers noted that the National Transport Secretariat has completed Project 3 - Transport Contribution to Regional Australia, which ATC commissioned last year. This project required the NTS to undertake a project which would identify opportunities to improve transport services in regional Australia and to scope a regional transport effectiveness template. The template is now available to those jurisdictions interested in applying it. ATC also noted the work done by the NTS on action to improve transports environmental performance, especially transport in major cities. The NTS work focuses on the major environmental impacts of the transport task, notably greenhouse and air quality emissions, and the potential for these impacts to also affect the efficiency of transport, and the health and quality of life of people living in our cities. Ministers noted the need for these impacts to be better managed if the transport task is to continue to underpin sustainable growth of the Australian economy. The NTS will continue work on the other projects in its work program. NEXT MEETINGMinisters agreed to hold the next meeting of the ATC in Sydney in October or November 2001. MEMBERS ATTENDING THE ATCChair: The Hon John Anderson MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services Host: the Honourable Mick Palmer MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development and Minister for Territory Ports
OBSERVERS
APOLOGIES
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Last Updated: 9 June, 2005 |
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