This Paper details how the scope and purpose of Commonwealth assistance to the States (and, through the States, to Local Government) for roads has varied over the years. Other issues addressed include the distribution of Commonwealth funds between States and between rural and urban roads, and the varying conditions which have been applied to Commonwealth assistance.

• Road Grants Legislation in Australia: Commonwealth Government Involvement 1900–1981
  
  op_048.pdf
  (5.34 MB)

The study identifies and measures the transport task undertaken for the principal rural products in terms of three variables: tonnes consigned, tonne kilometres performed and freight charges paid by the users. It is considered the study provides valuable insights into the nature and size of the rural product transport task in Australia.

• Estimates of the Task of Transporting Principal Rural Products in Australia in 1975–76
  
  ip_005.pdf
  (5.48 MB)

This Paper presents the final results from a BTE survey of trucks passing through checking stations located on the Hume and Pacific Highways in NSW at Marulan and Berowra respectively. The aim of the survey was to obtain information on the quantity and nature of road freight travelling to and from Sydney along these two major highways, for use in BTE research studies. The survey commenced in mid 1972 and terminated in mid 1978. This period is an interesting one as there was considerable growth in tonnage handled by the goods trucking industry, particularly intrastate freight.

• Estimates of Freight Travelling to and from Sydney along the Hume and Pacific Highways
  
  ip_006.pdf
  (5.43 MB)

The aim of this Report is to provide a general overview of all aspects of the National Travel Survey (NTS). The topics covered include the survey design and operation, public response to the survey, and corrections applied to the survey results.

The NTS is compared to other surveys and some lessons learnt from the NTS about survey design and operations are outlined. Finally a number of aspects of non-urban travel in Australia are discussed, with particular reference to tourist travel.

• National Travel Survey 1977–78: General Overview and Assessment
  
  report_048.pdf
  (5.3 MB)

This Report presents the results of an investigation of the market conduct and performance of that part of the road haulage industry which undertakes the transportation of cattle intended for slaughter at abattoirs for human consumption.

In addition, an assessment of the costs of transhipping beef from processing points to retail outlets is made. The Ministerial terms of reference for the study are contained in Appendix I.

• Transport of Slaughter Cattle in Australia
  
  report_050.pdf
  (3.27 MB)

This Occasional Paper reports on the basic characteristics of Australian General Aviation. Information on these characteristics provides an essential background to the understanding and interpretatian of General Aviation. In this Paper, attention is focused on the types of aircraft used in General Aviation, the size and geographical distribution of General Aviation operations, the various kinds of General Aviation activities undertaken; and the economic cost structure faced by General Aviation operators. In addition, a partial analysis of the demand characteristics of some users of scheduled commuter and charter services is presented.

• Basic Characteristics of General Aviation in Australia
  
  op_033.pdf
  (16.44 MB)

This Paper reviews the current practice for the design of conventional railway track. Current track design practice has historically developed slowly and is predominantly based upon years of operating experience. Consequently many of the developed design expressions are at best semi empirical in nature. The scope of this report is confined to the design of the track structure above the level of the formation, i.e., rails, sleepers and ballast.

• Railway Track Design: A Review of Current Practice
  
  op_035.pdf
  (13.15 MB)

This study represents the second part of a major research effort in the General Aviation area which was conducted with the objective of providing background material for the current Commonwealth Department of Transport review of General Aviation policy. This research presents results of statistical investigation into the basic characteristics of General Aviation in Australia and examines the economic and financial issues associated with General Aviation. Major topics covered in the study include an overview of the operational, financial and economic characteristics of General Aviation, the determinants of the demand for and supply of General Aviation services and the identification of appropriate mechanisms for cost recovery.

• Economic and Financial Issues Associated with General Aviation in Australia
  
  op_034.pdf
  (27.1 MB)

This Report was prepared in response to a Ministerial reference to the Bureau relating to an investigation of the demand for sea passenger transport between Tasmania and the mainland.

• Demand for Sea Passenger Transport between Tasmania and the Australian Mainland
  
  report_046.pdf
  (3.09 MB)

The Paper describes some of the basic financial considerations associated with entry into the trucking industry and details possible operational strategies. This study is aimed at entrants into the trucking industry but it is also expected to prove beneficial to current operators.

• The Road Transport Business: A Guide to Some Financial Aspects
  
  op_036.pdf
  (3.48 MB)