TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Loan to the Norfolk Island Government - Cascade Cliff Safety Project
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Commonweath has agreed to provide an interest free loan to the Norfolk Island Government to secure the safety of Cascade Cliff and ensure adequate rock supplies for the Island for the medium term.  An initial instalment will be provided in 1997-98 with the balance of the loan provided in 1998-99.
The measure will increase headline outlays by $0.2 million in 1997-98 and $2.8 million in 1998-99.  The Commonwealth's underlying budget position is not affected by these payments.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Public awareness campaign concerning second Sydney airport 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Commonwealth has provided an additional $0.5 million over 1997-98 and 1998-99 to complement and broaden the existing community consultation programme that was established to raise the levels of awareness, knowledge and understanding of the proposed second Sydney airport and its related environmental and economic implications.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Airservices Australia - transition to location (airport) specific pricing 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
Transitional assistance of $13 million over two years will be provided to Airservices Australia to ameliorate the financial impacts on the aviation industry of Airservices Australia's move to location specific pricing.  This move coincides with the sale of Phase 2 airports.  The transitional period will allow time for the new owners of the affected airports to examine options to reduce airport costs and hence the impact on the users. 
Further Information
The measure facilitates a progressive introduction of pricing reforms to remove the current cross subsidies applying to different categories of air service users at various airport locations.
The proposal forms part of a tripartite funding arrangement whereby the Commonwealth ($13 million), Airservices Australia ($6.5 million) and the aviation industry ($6.5 million) share the cost of introducing this reform measure to the aviation industry.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Indian Ocean Territories support package
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides funding for new infrastructure works, basic services and maintenance of assets, and the continuation of air services to the Indian Ocean Territories.
Further Information
The Government will be undertaking a review in 1998-99 of the financial and economic position of the Indian Ocean Territories with a view to determining an appropriate future level of ongoing funding in the 1999-2000 Budget context.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Restoration, maintenance and construction programme for National Capital assets
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure provides for the continuation beyond 2000-01 of the existing Restoration and Maintenance of National Capital Assets programme announced in the 1997-98 Budget. The programme provides for the restoration and maintenance of Commonwealth assets and meeting public safety requirements in the Parliamentary Zone and on other Commonwealth lands in the National Capital.  It includes works on national memorials, roads, footpaths, lighting, open space areas and other infrastructure. The programme now encompasses the construction of minor new works in the National Capital.
 TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Jervis Bay Territory - Infrastructure works 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Commonwealth has provided funding to provide a reliable supply of domestic water to the Jervis Bay Territory.  This measure will address community concerns over the public water supply system and ensure that the Territory has a reliable supply of domestic water.  The proposal will supplement the existing water supply system which draws its water from Lake Windemere, which is an unreliable source. Planning is at an early stage and discussions will be held with relevant NSW authorities.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Regional Development and Coordination Strategy
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure will enhance the Government's capacity to respond to the particular needs of regions through direct consultation and through the provision of information about Commonwealth programmes and services that benefit regional Australia.  In addition, the measure also provides for improved coordination between Commonwealth agencies to deliver a more effective whole of government approach to regional development, including through enhanced data analysis.

TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funding of Airport Environment Officers and Airport Building Controllers at Phase 2 Federal Airports subject to sale	
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Airports Act 1996 establishes a regulatory framework for airports that are being leased by the Commonwealth.  
Among other matters, the Act regulates environmental management, land use planning and building control on these airports and establishes the positions of Airport Environment Officer and Airport Building Controller to ensure proper environmental management, clean-up and pollution prosecution on airports and to oversee the Commonwealth's interest in building proposals and activity.
The Department of Transport and Regional Development selects contractors to perform these functions at leased Federal airports on a cost recovery basis. Details of funding arrangements are provided in the revenue measure titled Increased cost recovery at Phase 2 airports (see Part II).
Further Information
This decision extends similar arrangements that apply to those airports leased as part of Phase 1 of the sale of Federal airports announced in the 1997-98 Budget. Phase 2 of the sale of Federal airports includes: Adelaide, Canberra, Coolangatta, Parafield, Hobart, Archerfield, Townsville, Launceston, Moorabbin, Jandakot, Alice Springs and Darwin airports.
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Road Safety Research and Public Education 		
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
This measure will continue funding for Road Safety Research and Public Education to allow the Government to continue to meet its legislative responsibility for vehicle safety and emissions standards and its national leadership role under the National Road Safety Action Plan.  The Plan reflects the need for national coordination to promote consistency and adoption of best practice in road user regulation and strategies for influencing road user behaviour.
Further Information
The National Road Safety Action Plan, endorsed by Federal, State and Territory Governments,  provides an agreed framework for a nationally coordinated approach to road safety, involving all levels of government and other major stakeholders. 
TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ACT Liaison 
Financial Implications ($m)

Explanation
The Government has provided $0.5 million per annum to fund its liaison and coordination work on Commonwealth policies, practices and programmes as they affect the ACT, Australia's National Capital, the Canberra business community and the Australian Capital Region.
Further Information
This measure will enable the Commonwealth, in partnership with the ACT Government and the Canberra business community, to facilitate the further development of the ACT and the Region it serves through enhanced infrastructure and other economic development opportunities.  A central element of this measure will be the Commonwealth's involvement in the Canberra Ministerial Forum.  The ACT Liaison Unit provides a focal point within the Commonwealth for the assessment of the impact of activities on the ACT, and for cooperative action in partnership with the ACT to maximise the opportunities for the future.