Integrated transport planning : a Queensland approach

Abstract

Paper presented at the 22nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 14 - 16 July 2003 "National issues affecting the movement of people and goods - strategic approaches", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.ABSTRACT: Transport plays a vital role in maintaining quality of life and enhancing attractiveness for industry development and investment. Therefore, the transport system must be maintained effectively and enhanced through an integrated planning approach. A suitable framework for such an approach should combine long-term planning for land use, all modes of transport and the environment.A framework for integrated transport planning consists of three key components: - Outcomes that determines the desired transport system - Principles to guide the development of transport system options, and - A planning process that provides a systematic and consistent approach to transport planning. Integrated transport planning has progressed from planning for outputs to planning for outcomes. Outcomes are broad statements of the desired transport system. A number factors drive transport system outcomes. Broadly, these can be classified as system drivers (eg land use, population growth, societal values) and process drivers (eg legislation, plans and policies). Principles are categorised under ’balance’, ’integration’ and ’partnerships’. Integrated transport planning is about finding the right balance across a wide range of economic, environmental and social factors to achieve the best overall outcomes. To consider the benefits, costs, risks and opportunities in a balanced way requires an understanding of how these factors interact and influence each other. There are four key aspects to integration: - integrating the transport system - integrating transport and land use - integrating transport and other planning - integrating across levels of planning and jurisdictions. Strong partnerships across governments, industry and the community are essential in integrated transport planning. This allows planners to draw on a wide range of views, expertise and experience to ensure the needs, priorities and values of stakeholders are met. Planning to achieve the desired transport system requires a formal and systematic approach to integrated transport planning that is both transparent and aligns with best practice. Not only should the planning process provide actions and strategies but also it should involve an iterative process of continuous improvement. This paper discusses each of the above aspects of integrated transport planning and its application in Queensland, Australia. It does not commit Queensland Transport to the views expressed within in this paper.