18 Aug 2023

Government announces $70 billion worth of roading projects

From Morning Report, 7:22 am on 18 August 2023

The government's putting the pedal to the metal on proposed roading projects - $70 billion worth of them over the next decade.

The latest transport policy statement would prioritise 14 new roads and public transport links, as well as increase spending on maintenance and resilience projects.

To pay for it, petrol tax would rise four cents each year for the next three years; with funding topped up via general taxation, the Climate Emergency Response Fund, and additional loans.

But being election season it's being widely criticised: by the National Party as a costly copy of their plan, by the Greens as a simply irresponsible focus on roads.

Transport Minister David Parker spoke to Corin Dann.