Auditor-General’s Report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria, 2012–13: Message
Ordered to be printed
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER November 2013
PP No 279, Session 2010–13
Auditor-General’s Report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria, 2012–13
Body
This report informs Parliament about the results of the audit of the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria for 2012–13 (the AFR). The Auditor-General issued a clear audit opinion on the AFR.
Appendix C. Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994 a copy of this report was provided to the Department of Transport, VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria and the Department of Planning and Community Development with a request for submissions or comments.
The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
Responses were received as follows:
Appendix B. Transport Outcomes Framework
Source: Department of Transport.
Appendix A. Recent initiatives to manage congestion
Previous statewide policies
The state has implemented a number of land-use and transport initiatives in recent years that are relevant to managing congestion. Figure A1 highlights a chronology of key initiatives focusing on those aspects of most relevance to congestion management.
Figure A1
Initiatives relevant to managing congestion
|
Initiative |
Description |
|---|
5 Optimising the efficiency of existing roads
At a glance
Background
Making the most effective use of limited available road space is a key strategy for managing congestion. This requires understanding the efficiency of the network, strategies for managing competing demand for road use, and effective traffic signals and management systems that optimise traffic flow.
4 Addressing the demand-side causes of congestion
At a glance
Background
Demand management involves a range of strategies that can reduce traffic congestion by encouraging reduced car commuting at critical times and locations. It contrasts with supply-side approaches that seek to relieve congestion by supplying extra road space.
3 Decision-making for infrastructure expansion
At a glance
Background
When appraising the merits of infrastructure expansion proposals for relieving traffic congestion, agencies should consider and document sufficient information to:
2 Planning and oversight of congestion management
At a glance
Background
Sound strategic planning and oversight including coordination, implementation and monitoring of related initiatives is critical for effective congestion management.
Conclusion
The absence of clear statewide objectives, agency responsibilities and reporting on congestion management means it cannot be demonstrated that current initiatives are properly targeted, or that strategic planning across the transport portfolio is soundly based, integrated and aligned.
1 Background
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 The problem of excessive congestion
Traffic is a sign of mobility and of a dynamic economy. However, excessive congestion causes a range of undesirable consequences. It imposes costs on the community and businesses through: