Back to basics: RACQ members outline Games legacy vision
Forget air taxis!
RACQ members want the legacy of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to head back to basics, with overwhelming support to fix infrastructure and improve essential services, rather than investing in new solutions like urban air transport.
Exclusive RACQ research, commissioned by The Courier Mail as part of its Future Brisbane series, found the focus should be on improving existing transport infrastructure and fixing the State’s busiest highways.
Head of Public Policy Doctor Michael Kane said more than 2,200 RACQ members responded to the survey, and the vast majority want to see more effective, affordable and efficient infrastructure and public transport.
“We’re 10 years out from the Games and what our members have told us is they’re much more concerned about seeing solutions to existing transport and congestion issues rather than a focus on innovative and futuristic mobility, such as air taxis,” Dr Kane explained.
“Motorists want to see congestion on the Bruce Highway and M1 alleviated and there’s a strong desire for the expansion and completion of the existing rail network and fast rail options from the Sunshine Coast to Coolangatta and Brisbane to Ipswich and Toowoomba.
“With rapid population growth and the need to fix existing transport there should be some thinking about new, cost-effective public transport solutions to avoid future grid lock in Brisbane and south east Queensland,” he said.
RACQ’s Future Brisbane survey also found 70% of respondents wanted more affordable public transport for people living in the outer suburbs as well as free public transport for those in inner Brisbane.
While air taxis weren’t in favour, the research did indicate growing support for electric vehicles (EVs) at the Games, with 49.9% of respondents saying it was either important or very important to complete the rollout of EV charging infrastructure to support the transition to low-emission transport.
RACQ CEO David Carter said if the Federal Government is to lead the nation on a successful transition to EVs as we track towards the Games, they must let Queensland take the front seat with them.
“Listening to Queenslanders and getting the policies right must be front of mind for the Government,” Mr Carter said.
“We know there is an overwhelming hesitancy about EVs that persists throughout Queensland, with purchase cost at the top of the list when members tell us about the factors that discourage them from getting an EV.
“Next is distance anxiety. Queenslanders need the confidence to know that EVs will take them where they need to go.
“We need to see the Government get ahead of the Games and provide charging stations before they’re needed to ensure there’s not a lack of availability.
“The Queensland Government made a good first move this year with a $3,000 rebate and the new Federal Government has followed through with a Fringe Benefit Tax exemption.
“We need these incentives for things like car fleets, whether it’s government owned fleets, to encourage the take up of EVs and get more good quality EVs on second hand market.”
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.