A collaborative approach to road management: a strategic partnership between Queensland state and local governments.

The Roads Alliance is an innovative approach to planning, managing and funding the regionally significant local roads that form a critical part of Queensland's 177 ,000 kilometres of public roads. A strategic partnership between Queensland state and local governments, the Roads Alliance involves 16 regional road groups (including 124 councils) and the State Department of Main Roads co operatively managing the road network, regardless of road ownership and collaboratively prioritising road projects for investment. Direct outcomes include a comprehensive asset management system and consistent arrangements for collecting, analysing and reporting data on the State's road assets; maximisation of economic development, sustainability and other community benefits through better funding allocations; a safer, more effective, consistent road network; increased efficiency in delivery through resource sharing and group purchasing, producing better-value planning, design, construction and maintenance; increased local government capability; and strengthened local government roles in regional decision-making. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.