Changes throughout VicRoads and the Department of Transport will allow the two agencies to work more closely together on planning and delivering the Brumby Government’s $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.
Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas announced the two organisations would strengthen coordination to streamline the delivery of major projects to improve Victoria’s road and public transport network.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to build a world class transport network for Victoria and we want to ensure we have the right approach to ensure we can deliver key projects,” Mr Pallas said.
“Last year, I commissioned the State Services Authority (SSA) to review VicRoads’ governance and operation as we start delivering the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.
“The Transport Plan is about integrating our transport system; therefore it makes sense that we also integrate the relevant divisions of our transport agencies to ensure our planning is coordinated across roads (for private vehicle use and public transport use), rail, freight and cycling.
“The report recognises that our different organisations have become experts in different areas and we need to be able to continue to grow this expertise in a way that ensures this transport planning is integrated.
“The SSA made a number of recommendations and the Victorian Government has largely supported them. We will now work to see them implemented.”
Mr Pallas said the SSA was complimentary of VicRoads in several key areas including the work undertaken in registration and licensing to address the recommendations of the Ombudsman; VicRoads capabilities in project management; and its improvements in customer service through the implementation of the new Channel Management Strategy.
“The SSA acknowledged there had been a marked improvement in collaboration between VicRoads, DOT and other agencies in terms of transport planning and project implementation,” Mr Pallas said.
“That collaboration will be strengthened further, with the Department of Transport now responsible for strategic policy for the transport system, consulting with VicRoads on road-related policy.
“DOT and VicRoads will also work in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Community Development, local government and other stakeholders to ensure integration of land use and transport planning. VicRoads will remain responsible for road safety policy.
“The SSA also recommended setting up a Council for Integrated Transport, made up of representatives from relevant stakeholder bodies.
“Before making a decision on this, the Government will undertake a review of existing advisory boards and councils in the roads, ports and public transport portfolios. That will begin immediately with a decision to be made by the end of 2009.”
Other recommendations to be implemented include:
- DOT to further develop its transport planning capability through collaboration with VicRoads, recruitment, and support for staff to undertake study;
- VicRoads to strengthen its commercial capability through secondments, recruitment and working with bodies such as SEITA;
- VicRoads to continue its reform process in terms of registration and licensing and strategies to improve customer service, in recognition of its success to date. The reforms should be monitored with a review undertaken in 12 months; and
- The Chief Executive of VicRoads to report to Government through the Secretary of the Department of Transport on all matters. This is an extension of existing reporting arrangement around planning, implementation and priority setting
“This is an exciting time for transport planning and project delivery here in Victoria,” Mr Pallas said.
“But in order to deliver a streamlined, effective and integrated transport system for the benefit of Victorians, we firstly need to ensure that our approach is the same.
“We are well on the way to achieving that. Implementing the recommendations of this review will help us even further.” |
