AfPA News

AFPA CALLS FOR ROAD WORKER SAFETY MEASURES AS FATALITIES INCREASE, DESPITE LOCKDOWNS AFPA AND RMIT JOIN

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of road workers as road fatalities rose in 2021, despite reduced commuting and vehicle movements as a result of lockdowns.

A 1.4 per cent road fatality increase from 2020, including numerous tragic road worker deaths across Australia, has led many to question how the federal government will meet its goal to reduce road deaths to zero by 2050. A goal that AfPA has stated must include a comprehensive strategy which prevents road work site incidents and needless worker deaths.

AfPA has asserted that separation of traffic and workers through deviations will result in prevention and where this cannot be achieved enforcing restricted speed limits at roadwork sites using available speed enforcement measures, including point-topoint camera technology and mobile speed cameras will reduce this risk.

AfPA’s recommendation is based on research conducted by South Australia’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research which observed that fixed point-to-point averagespeed cameras improved speed and safety where implemented.

Further research conducted internationally by the OECD has supported the use of pointto-point technology, reducing the number of motorists driving at speeds of more than 20km/h over the limit by 84 per cent, with mobile average-speed cameras likely to provide equal benefit.

Research has also suggested that fixed average-speed cameras are more effective than speed cameras in preventing death and reducing accidents, a result which AfPA has said must spark action to prevent further road worker and motorist fatalities.

Carlos Rial, CEO of AfPA, said:“Ensuring the safety of Australian workers who deliver crucial road work is a significant concern for AfPA and its members, which is why we in partnership with other associations are advocating for a solution-driven approach to slowing down vehicles in and around work zones and ultimately, saving lives.”

“Point-to-point camera technology and mobile speed cameras are a clear, proven way that we can reduce road fatalities and where we cannot deviate traffic ensure that workers feel safe and secure delivering the critical maintenance and upgrade projects our nation needs,” he said.

“When even one is too many, the tragic loss of 1,126 lives on Australian roads, which includes road workers simply doing their jobs, provides a stark reminder of the need for urgent, innovative action which keeps speeds down,” Mr Rial added. Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) is pleased to announce a collaborative partnership with RMIT University. This relationship presents some exciting opportunities for the two organisations to collaborate in the areas of education, mentoring and innovation on transport infrastructure and roads engineering.

This partnership builds on a strong working history led by Associate Professor Filippo Giustozzi from RMIT’s School of Engineering and Anna D’Angelo, AfPA Executive Director Technology and Leadership.

As part of the partnership, industry can gain awareness of and support RMIT research and also provide employment opportunities and practical educational pathways for RMIT students.

AFPA CEO, Carlos Rial said: “AfPA has a strong history with RMIT, supporting initiatives such as their SPARC Research program on Crumb Rubber, which is doing great things to support sustainable renewable roads for Australia’s future. Linking students who are on this cutting edge with industry just makes sense.”

Ms D’Angelo said: “As part of the AfPA Technology Strategy to promote continual improvement and best engineering practice in the flexible pavement industry, the partnership with RMIT is an exciting and excellent opportunity to access knowledge and new thinking and drive industry towards an innovative and sustainable flexible pavement industry.”

Associate Professor Giustozzi said he was excited to strengthen the bond with the most important industry association in Australia in the field of road engineering.

“The collaboration with AfPA has the potential to open doors to our RMIT graduates and connect them with the industry,” Associate Professor Giustozzi added.

“I am also particularly proud of fostering new opportunities for women in this sector, making progress on the ‘road’ to equality.”

RMIT Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategy & Innovation, Mohan Krishnamoorthy said the partnership reflected RMIT’s long history of important industry connections.

“I’m excited about the potential not only for our students to gain authentic experience putting theory into practice but to build on our valued relationship with industry and contribute positively to our impactful research,” he said.

FORCES FOR AN EXCITING COLLABORATION

AFPA WELCOMES VICTORIAN BUILDING EQUALITY POLICY

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has welcomed the Victorian Labor Government’s Building Equality Policy, designed to encourage more women into the country’s most male-dominated industry.

The policy is part of the Government’s Women in Construction Strategy 2019-22 and will see a direct investment of $3.5 million aimed at addressing the gender discrepancy in the industry, with women only comprising 2-3% of the construction workforce over the past 30 years.

AfPA have embraced the policy as a welcome addition to the current Social Procurement Framework and lauded the approach from government as a step in the right direction toward a more skilled and diverse workforce.

Carlos Rial, CEO of AfPA, said: “We welcome this announcement from the Victorian Government and look forward to continuing to support our members as they look to not just meet but exceed the requirements for a more equal workforce.”

“Women have so much to offer this industry and it is fantastic to see policies such as these, which help to break down barriers which may impede the entry of skilled workers into an industry that needs them.”

“AfPA continues to advocate for and stand behind inclusive policies which result in a more skilled, more diverse workforce that works to deliver fantastic outcomes for Australian communities and their roads,” Mr Rial said.

CUTTING RIBBON IS GOOD, MAINTENANCE IS BETTER

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has welcomed the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) 2021 State of the Assets Report, lauding the reports focus on the importance of maintenance above the announcement of new infrastructure projects.

The State of the Assets report is the latest health check on local government assets since 2018 and contains valuable insights and statistics that will inform the strategic allocation of funding that benefits Australians.

This year’s report shows that much of Australia’s assets are in disrepair, highlighting the need for the restoration and upgrade of public infrastructure. The report revealing that 10% of all local government assets need significant attention.

A key focus of the report was the condition of Australia’s roads, revealing that 8% of sealed roads and 14% of unsealed roads are in poor condition, function and capacity and are close to reaching the end of their useful life. With a total replacement cost of $204bn these figures highlight the critical need for healthy, sustainable pipelines of maintenance across the nation.

Tanja Conners, A/CEO of AfPA, said:“We welcome ALGA’s support in our shared belief that whilst new projects are important, maintenance and upkeep are the most important thing we can do to improve our strategic assets and certainly, our roads.”

“To improve our existing roads, we need all levels of government to collaborate with industry, which plays a critical role in the delivery of maintenance programs, as early as possible in the planning process,” Ms Conners said.

“Local roads make up 77% of the national network by length, represent $133 bn of infrastructure value and make up 39% of local government infrastructure. Simply put, the recognition of the need to fund and maintain this asset is critical not only for councils but also their local communities,” she added.

“Reports such as these are crucial for our nation and contain insights that ensure our sustainable, prosperous growth into the future,” Ms Conners concluded.

For more information, or to download a copy of the ALGA 2021 State of the Assets Report, visit: https://alga.asn.au/app/uploads/ ALGA_NSotA_SummaryReport2021.pdf