Question Without Notice No. 527 asked in the Legislative Council on 6 September 2017 by Hon Rick Mazza
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
GRAIN TRANSPORT — LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING
527. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the Minister for Transport:
Due to an expected reduction in this year's grain harvest, CBH Group has closed 98 of its 198 grain bins and, as a result, many producers will be required to transport grain over longer distances to a reduced number of silos. Many of the remaining silos will experience large increases in the number of vehicle movements.
(1) Is the minister aware of the likelihood of the greater impact on the condition and deterioration of some local roads?
(2) If yes, has the minister identified the roads most likely to be affected?
(3) Given that the local government authorities have been advised that their road grants are to be reduced as a result of campaigning against vehicle licensing and stamp duty exemptions, how will local councils be funded to maintain roads impacted by an increase in grain haulage vehicles?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) CBH released a network strategy in 2016. Main Roads Western Australia will continue to liaise with CBH in monitoring the impact of its strategy on regional roads.
(3) There will be an increase in local road grants in 2017–18 compared with grants in 2016–17.