Roads Australia (RA) has launched its Strategic Plan 2022-2024, setting out how the organisation’s activities and policy goals continue to evolve to align with contemporary community expectations.
Launching the plan during the opening of the 2022 Transport Summit in Melbourne this morning, RA President Michael Bushby reflected on the way disruption has become a defining characteristic of our era.
“Disruption is occurring in every conceivable fashion – whether through geopolitical developments, COVID, the influence of technology or rapidly changing community expectations,” Mr Bushby said.
“As an organisation, RA needs to make certain it is equipped to respond to changing realities – and embrace emerging opportunities.”
The plan commits RA to three overarching policy goals:
- Optimise the use of our roads for environmental, social, economic and cultural outcomes.
- Improve the stewardship of our roads for the workers on them and the people who use them.
- Decarbonisation of the economy through integrated transport and the efficient use of resources and energy.
“These goals reflect the continuing evolution of our industry and this organisation, as we continue to broaden our focus beyond physical road infrastructure and consider how an integrated transport network can align with wider community expectations.”
“This includes improving the diversity of our industry’s workforce through initiatives such as the RA Fellowship and Emerging Leaders Program, and working collaboratively to support other industry efforts that will improve workforce culture, making our sector more attractive to those from diverse backgrounds.”
During his address, Mr. Bushby provided practical examples of actions RA is undertaking in support of its policy goals. He pointed to the forthcoming launch of a report produced through an industry first partnership outlining proposed actions that support a focus on place, drive emissions reduction, support investment in renewables and smart technologies, and promote engagement and collaboration across the transport asset lifecycle.
He also highlighted RA’s role as a Principal Partner for National Road Safety Week which is currently underway, particularly reflecting on RA’s commitment to improving the safety of road workers by supporting regulatory changes and the use of technology that can better protect the industry’s workforce.
The 2022 Transport Summit is being held over the next two days. This evening, more than 800 attendees with gather for the John Shaw Dinner, which will include the presentation of the 2022 John Shaw Medal and celebrate 70 years since the foundation of RA’s forerunner organisation, the Australian Road Federation (ARF).