THE Commonwealth government’s economic stimulus can have immediate positive effects if directed towards road maintenance, industry body NatRoads says.

Chief executive Warren Clark said now was the perfect time to act and fix some aging roads.

“Many of our public roads are aging and decrepit having a direct impact on the efficiency of the transport industry on a daily basis,” Mr Clark said.

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“Australia’s publicly owned road network is a strategic asset, vital to our security, lifestyle and livelihoods.

“The road transport industry requires efficient and operational freight corridors to enhance the sustainability of the industry and better serve the community.”

Mr Clark said directing economic stimulus funds to essential road maintenance was a win for all Australians and would achieve flow-on effects to local communities.

“The transport and logistics industry employs more than half a million people and provides delivery of vital goods and services throughout Australia via road transportation,” he said. “It is important the federal government has in place effective policies that permit the efficient operation of an industry that plays an important role in every sector of the economy.”