Local authority roads - past, present and future: a south Australian experience in rationalisation

The paper explains the past relationship between the state and local authorities for the responsibility of the road network in South Australia. As a result of some of the unsatisfactory consequences under that former regime, the road system was reclassified and responsibility between state and local authorities was rearranged. The mechanisms by which this was achieved are described in the paper. The methodology used to disburse federal local road funds to local authorities in South Australia is explained, as is the manner in which special local road projects of economic significance can be funded by setting aside ten per cent of the federal grant for such purposes. The unsealed arterial road system has been costed and prioritised for improvement in stages, and a description of this exercise is included in the paper. Finally, a look to the future is embarked upon in the areas of road classification, funding responsibility and an appropriate user pays fund for the construction and maintenance of roads (a).