Submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Heavy Vehicle Reform
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has submitted a response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into heavy vehicle reform.
In its submission, ALGA supports productivity-enhancing reforms but emphasises they must include robust cost-benefit analyses accounting for local government infrastructure costs. With councils already facing a $1 billion annual road maintenance deficit and 8% of sealed local roads in poor condition, proposed reforms will likely impose additional costs through increased road wear, asset assessments, and administrative burdens.
ALGA’s position on major reforms:
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National Automated Access System (NAAS): ALGA strongly supports accelerated implementation, citing Tasmania’s successful Heavy Vehicle Access Management System model where all councils voluntarily participate. Sustained Commonwealth funding is essential for council capability building and system integration.
- Increased Road Access: Road wear increases exponentially with axle load – doubling axle load can increase wear by a factor of 16. Bridge and culvert assessments must be completed before permissible weights increase, with appropriate funding for upgrades.
- EV Truck Curfews: ALGA has concerns about reducing curfews. Safety, infrastructure protection, enforcement practicalities, and community amenity must all be addressed. Changes should be introduced through carefully designed pilot programmes with genuine community consultation.
- EV Charging Infrastructure: ALGA supports the zero-emissions transition and calls for national guidelines that respect local planning authority.
The submission emphasises that productivity gains for industry should not be achieved by shifting costs onto local government and communities. It includes 16 detailed recommendations covering cost-benefit analysis, intergovernmental cooperation, implementation capacity, and specific reforms.