AN ESSENTIAL
INDUSTRY
THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DISRUPTIONS AS A RESULT OF COVID-19, BUT IS WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS TO ENSURE ROADWORKS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE ACCESS TO OUR COMMUNITIES. AAPA’S CARLOS RIAL EXPLAINS.
A
s the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic become evident worldwide, the immutable message remains: if you can stay home, you must stay home. While the infinite messaging of practicing social distancing is essential to “flattening the curve”, essential services like road maintenance and construction are not disappearing. Supporting the continuation of this vital sector will ensure access for our communities is maintained during and post the pandemic. Equally, minimising supply chain disruptions so drivers can deliver the goods and services we depend on is another consideration. To that end, road construction businesses are currently in the throes of producing business continuity plans to navigate global changes in trade and economics. While road construction is continuing across the country, the effects of the The road construction sector has been proactive in maintaining social distancing measures on-site.
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ROADS MAY 2020
corona virus risk disrupting supply chains and threatening the health and safety of workers. This risk however is being managed through responsible actions from industry to maintain social distancing and good hygiene practices. The flexible pavements industry is a major contributor to the Australian economy and has the capacity to support new jobs and stimulate the recovery effort. While the sector is undoubtedly facing social and economic challenges, in the seed of every challenge comes opportunity. The Federal Government remains committed to maintaining the existing infrastructure pipeline and state governments are also promising to prioritise and fast track infrastructure projects, meaning new opportunities for the sector may arise in the coming months. Carlos Rial, Australian Asphalt Pavement Association CEO, says the association’s main concern lies with the health and wellbeing of its members and the broader community.
With most existing road maintenance and construction projects continuing to operate, keeping thousands in jobs, safety measures are being adopted to restrict the spread of COVID-19, keeping and creating safe jobs and critical community road access. To keep the essential service of roadworks running, Mr. Rial notes works are being undertaken in a safe manner, with social distancing and hygiene practices implemented. AAPA’s position on-site safety and social distancing is consistent with advice by SafeWork Australia. Looking ahead, Mr. Rial is confident existing government spend on infrastructure and maintenance will remain. “Investment in maintaining vital infrastructure across the country is essential to underpin the economy and social wellbeing of our communities,” Mr. Rial says. While he acknowledges the economy will take a hit in the short term and many businesses will be affected, he sees the roads sector supply chain partners as essential. He says without them, we cannot maintain safe road access in the field. Mr. Rial has been in talks with government bodies from across Australia and all have confirmed roads and associated roadworks are an essential service. “Under many of the Essential Services Acts across the country it can be interpreted that roads and associated roadworks activities support the essential functions needed during emergent conditions,” he says. As an essential service, Mr. Rial says roadworks that are delivered safely in line with government advice to restrict the spread of COVID-19, should and must continue to be funded.
