It is predicted that the future climatic outcomes for Australia are likely to result in changes in temperature, rainfall distribution and increased extreme weather events. These consequences of climate change can cause significant disruption to the population, industry and agriculture, and can impact on road use in Australia, both in terms of passenger and freight movement. This paper aims to collate the key issues from two discussion papers developed for Austroads - a strategic review of future asset management issues; 1. impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on asset management, and 2. impacts of peak oil with increases in bitumen and fuel costs on road use and asset management funding. This paper also identifies a range of alternative road materials and less energy intensive practices, which can be potential subjects for future research. This in turn can assist asset managers in reducing the impacts and managing the consequences of climate change. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E220164.
Abstract