Executive Director’s Overview

Motoring Directions

In the areas of infrastructure planning, fuels and car safety we are in a time of significant change. Change may create concern and present challenges but it also provides opportunities that can lead to substantial benefits.

The Auslink proposal for a new transport planning and funding structure being canvassed by the Commonwealth is such an opportunity. At the time of publication all involved in the motoring and transport industries were waiting anxiously for the release of a Government White Paper which should provide a clearer view of how the new structure will be implemented. From AAA’s perspective the overall Auslink concept – a more strategic long-term approach to infrastructure planning and provision – is welcome. We do, however, believe the original Auslink proposal could be improved. These views are outlined in the article ‘Making AUSLINK Work’ in this edition of Motoring Directions.

The Government has made a decision on ethanol content in Australian fuel after a long and at times, difficult public and political debate. The decision rested on the result of extensive testing of ethanol use in vehicle and other engines by the Orbital Engine Company. The results of the tests clearly ruled out demands from some sections of the industry for 20 percent ethanol content in Australian fuel. Pleasingly the Government also rejected mandating ethanol content and will introduce compulsory labelling, both positions advocated by AAA and our constituent members. The Government’s decision is examined more closely in the article ‘The Ethanol Outcome."

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has had a significant impact on vehicle safety during the past 10 years. The value of this crash testing program for new vehicles was highlighted recently when the Subaru Forester XS-LP became the first Australian tested vehicle to achieve the highest 5 star rating. It joins the Mercedes-Benz C and E classes, the Renault Laguna and Megane, and the Saab 9-3 as the only vehicles to achieve this level of safety. Clearly manufacturers are working to achieve higher safety ratings and encouragingly, are using these independent safety results when promoting their vehicles. ANCAP has achieved a lot over the 10 years it has been operating in Australia and more recently in New Zealand, but what is its future? If we are to achieve our national road safety targets we will need to see further improvements in vehicle crashworthiness and safety. This edition of Motoring Directions examines that question.

I trust you’ll find these and other articles of interest and I would encourage your feedback through the following link motoringdirections@aaa.asn.au

Lauchlan McIntosh

Executive Director