In this module we look at the structure of government, the decision-making process, legislation, regulation and the funding, pricing, financing & taxing regime. What are the constraints and opportunities and what is required to achieve more sustainable transport outcomes?

Institutional Structure & Processes. Review as it relates to achieving enhanced accessibility and sustainable outcomes, transport and land use roles and responsibilities of the different levels of government and various agencies. Review the current process for making policy decisions about transport and land use – at all levels of government and within the community; typology of decision types and how they are conventionally undertaken. Review practices and trends elsewhere, options for collaborative processes approach.

The Law of Transport in Cities. Review legislation and regulations, including powers and authorities (Federal and State; transport, planning and environmental law and intergovernmental processes) impacting on transport in cities, constraints to achieving sustainable outcomes and recommendations to do so.

Taxing, Charging and Finance. Review current funding arrangements (capital, operational and maintenance) and their implications for accessibility and sustainability and alternatives. Examine financial techniques for infrastructure and transport services including freight services, equity in provision and operation and implications for sustainability and possible alternatives. Carbon trading. What are the real ‘drivers of demand and choice’ in Sydney? Regulation and pricing? What is their elasticity? What else do we need to know to establish this, to provide additional knowledge and know how – research and investigation? At what point does price have a significant impact on demand and choice? At what value do other ‘drivers’ have a significant impact on demand and choice? Potential for regulation and pricing to control development, to shape development, to locate development; to manage demand and influence choice e.g. parking control and pricing, move fixed costs to variable costs (insurance, registration/user cost).

Group Leader - John Mant (Phillips Fox), Deputy Group Leader - Chris Mitchell (Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers)