Call for excise to be spent on major road transport boost

The Territory’s peak motoring organisation wants to see more of your fuel tax dollars spent on upgrading traffic infrastructure.

WITH fuel prices in Darwin around $2.10 for a litre of unleaded, and prices higher in the regions, leading motoring organisations have called for more money to be spend on roads and safety.

National motoring body Australian Automobile Association, along with the AANT, has released a plan that would unlock hundreds-of-millions in Commonwealth spending and improve driver safety and travel times.

AANT chief executive Anthony Hill said 53.7 per cent of fuel excise was spent on transport projects over the past decade and last year injected $13bn into Treasury coffers.

Every time a Territory motorist fills up at the pump, 44.2 cents of every litre purchased goes into the Commonwealth’s fuel excise collect.

“We want a commitment from both major parties to make that 100 per cent,” Mr Hill said.

“As part of the national plan, we are calling for an injection of an extra $258m above the current spend which will create 1200 new jobs and add $750m in economic activity to the local economy.

“This is a sensible, affordable plan to ensure the residents of Northern Territory get home safe.

“This plan will not only get our state moving again but our economy as well. This plan will put hardworking Territorians on the job to bring our land transport infrastructure up to speed.”

The prices at Shell, Daly St. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Centrepiece of the AAA-AANT plan is a $198m commitment to upgrade the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Pine Creek with additional overtaking lanes, strengthening and widening of pavements, guardrail installations, signage and intersection works.

Motor Trades Association NT general manager Paul Unerkov said there was no let-up in sight to high fuel prices.

“The high price of petrol is set to continue while wholesale prices are as they are,” he said.

“The uncertainty in the global market is largely being driven by the conflict in Ukraine and increased demand as the global economy opens up following Covid restrictions, which is making petrol price prediction a particularly difficult exercise.

“With such a high level of unpredictability, it is important that consumers monitor petrol prices by using fuel apps like MyFuel NT and by continuing to support your local independent service station to ensure competition.”

The prices at United Coolalinga. Picture: Glenn Campbell

And motorists hurting at the bowser have been reminded of the sense and savings associated with catching public transport.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said Darwin’s urban bus network has more than 4.2m passengers a year.

“One way the Territory government assists Territorians with the cost of living is by running an efficient and reliable bus network across the Territory,” she said.

“We will continue to make sure our public transport is affordable for Territorians to use.”

Buslink chief executive Tony Hopkins said fuel prices are just one reason for catching a bus.

“We expect to see public transport numbers increase given the latest fuel price hikes and the affordability, frequency and reliability of catching a Darwin Bus around the city,” he said.

“A single ticket with unlimited bus travel across three hours starts at just $1 for concession and $3 full fare.

“Multi-trip and weekly tap and ride card options become even more affordable at $7 concession and $20 full fare, allowing unlimited travel for seven days across the Darwin area network.

“With fuel prices hitting $2-plus per litre, and the easing of Covid restrictions benefiting the events and tourism sectors, bus hire is sure to become an even more viable option especially with charter groups travelling long distances.”

Originally published as Call for excise to be spent on major road transport boost