1. ‘SEATS Research Resource’ An application for funding under Regional Partnerships February 2004

2. SEATS is a non-profit organisation whose main objective is to secure further investment for improvements to existing transport infrastructure network across South-Eastern Australia SEATS is an amalgam of representatives from: –Local government authorities across South-Eastern NSW & Vic and the ACT Government –Some regional economic development organisations –Industry What is SEATS?

3. SEATS was originally established in 1995 as a voluntary group utilising local govt agency resources for administrative support In 1999 the organisation resolved to contribute towards establishing a part-time secretariat To address regional needs and take SEATS to the next level, the organisation now requires specific research and a dedicated coordinator Whilst 34 members of SEATS contribute financially towards the organisation, supplementary funding will be required to initially establish a ‘SEATS Research Resource’ ‘SEATS Research Resource’

4. ‘Ultimately this project aims to create an environment that encourages further public & private sector investment in South- Eastern Australia, to enhance the overall economic well-being of the community’Rationale Despite the economic potential of South-Eastern Australia, its transport infrastructure remains inadequate Access to markets, raw materials and adequate forms of transportation are critical for industry and the overall regional economy A lack of information and understanding appears to exist within public and private sectors regarding where they should invest to maximise efficiency within the transportation network Members of SEATS strongly believe specific research will assist to influence and encourage government to address inadequacies that exist and hamper economic development ‘SEATS Research Resource’

5. Methodology Specific research can be developed by engaging a part-time Research Coordinator to administer and supervise individual research tasks Research tasks will either be conducted solely by SEATS, or with the assistance of partnering organisations Whilst the lead on research tasks may alternate, coordination will remain a key element throughout the program Coordination of the research program becomes critical if SEATS is to ensure momentum of the overall project is sustained This project will generate recognition amongst members & industry partners of the value of specific research, thus encouraging them to commit funding towards continuation of the program

6. ‘The ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Project Regional Partnerships Funding Funding of $182,000 would be utilised towards costs associated with engagement of a part-time Research Coordinator and undertaking specific research tasks Initial engagement of the Research Coordinator would be for a period of 12 months, with an option of a second and third 12 month extension and annually thereafter Regional Partnerships would contribute towards: –Research Coordinator (Yr 1 – 3/3; Yr 2 – 2/3; Yr 3 – 1/3; Yr 4 – 0/3) Note: increased member contributions would be utilised to support research coordination and administration –Research Tasks for the first year ($62,000/$120,000*)

7. ‘The ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Project Outcomes Additionally this project seeks to deliver five individual modest research tasks (commencing in August 2004) A subsequent schedule of well-developed research tasks would continue over the following two years, leading in to a rolling program of research Individual research tasks will not only have their own set of relevant outcomes and deliverables, but would also contribute to broader project objectives: –To develop and implement sustainable strategies to overcome regional transport disadvantages –To facilitate the development of research partnerships and collaborative research projects between various public and private sector stakeholders

8. Individual Research Tasks Identified for 2004 1. Baseline transport profile – to assemble a library of relevant reports and bring together data in to a web based format 2. Heavy transport rest area study – conduct an audit of existing facilities, identify shortfalls & make recommendations to RTA & Vic Roads to improve safety 3. Border issues study – Articulate current cross border issues relating to freight transport, & identify a mutually beneficial solution for road authorities & transport operators 4. Regional air hubbing study – develop a strategy for passenger & freight air transport for adoption by government & airline industry 5. Gippsland special needs study – identify existing & future transport needs of the South Gippsland region, & propose solutions, timeframe & strategies to overcome identified shortfalls

9. ‘The ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Project Individual Research Tasks Identified for 2004 SEATS Research Co- ordinator Baseline transport profile – to assemble a library of relevant reports and bring together data in to a web based format Heavy transport rest area study – conduct an audit of existing facilities, identify shortfalls & make recommendations to RTA & Vic Roads to improve safety Border issues study – Articulate current cross border issues relating to freight transport, & identify a mutually beneficial solution for road authorities & transport operators Regional air hubbing study – develop a strategy for passenger & freight air transport for adoption by government & airline industry Gippsland special needs study – identify existing & future transport needs of the South Gippsland region, & propose solutions, timeframe & strategies to overcome identified shortfalls

10. SEATS Research Co-ordinator RP Funds: $120k/$213 k Baseline transport profile Partners: RTA,VicRoads,Cls RP Funds: $10k/$30k Heavy transport rest area study Partners: RTA,VicRoads,Cls RP Funds: $10k/$25k Border issues study Partners: Border Cls,Industry RP Funds: $17k/$30k Regional air hubbing study Partners: Airlines,Airfields,Cls RP Funds: $25k/$35k Gippsland special needs study Partners: Local Cls,Vic Govt RP Funds: $0/$220k ‘The ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Project Individual Research Tasks Identified for 2004

11. ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Timetable Project timetable –Research Co-ordinator 2004-5 $60k/$75k2004-5 $60k/$75k 2005-6 $40k/$69k2005-6 $40k/$69k 2006-7 $20k/$69k2006-7 $20k/$69k –Research Tasks 2004-5 $62k/$120k2004-5 $62k/$120k Baseline 12 mths Rest As 6 mths Reg Hubs 6 mths Border 6 mths Gippsland 12 mths

12. ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Funding SEATS is funded through membership contributions SEATS is seeking to introduce a regional economic/transportation research program that will stimulate regional economies SEATS seeks: – $182,000 from Regional Partnerships –$111,000 cash from members/partners –$40,000 in kind from members/partners

13. ‘SEATS Research Resource’ Application Applicant: South East Australia Transport Strategy Inc Format of Application: –Research Co-ordinator component –Appendices: Baseline Transport Profile Heavy Transport Rest Areas Border Issues Regional Air Hubbing Gippsland Special Needs (summary only) Request: $182,000 (ex GST) / $333,000 (+$220,000)