INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA 2019 PRIORITY LIST WELCOMED
The Liberal and Nationals Government welcomes today’s release of Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) annual Infrastructure Priority List, to assist with the strategic delivery of nation-building infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said IA’s List provided the Liberal and Nationals government with an independent view of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Mr McCormack said the Australian Government acknowledged Infrastructure Australia’s independent assessment and analysis, in providing strategic advice and guidance to both State and Federal decision-makers about the nation’s ongoing infrastructure needs.
“Infrastructure Australia’s 2019 Infrastructure Priority List is the most comprehensive and diverse list of investments the independent statutory body has identified to date,” Mr McCormack said.
“It details 121 nationally significant proposals across a range of sectors including transport, energy, water, communications, housing and education and about $58 billion worth of projects.
“This year’s List provides a valuable guide to assist with the strategic delivery of the infrastructure investments Australia needs, over the next 15 years.
“Strategic advice and expert planning is critical to help guide the Australian Government’s 10-year, $75 billion infrastructure plan where nation-building projects are; enhancing transport connectivity; underpinning economic growth; and helping Australians arrive home sooner and safer.”
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said IA’s call for more co-ordinated action on major infrastructure initiatives was a sensible approach.
“The Coalition has already committed to investing in the major congestion-busting initiatives which are appearing for the first time on the Priority List,” Mr Tudge said.
“This includes projects in Australia’s biggest capital cities as well as those that promote growth and accessibility in regional communities.
Projects on the list already supported by the Coalition include:
· $2 billion for Melbourne’s Monash Freeway and North East Link projects;
· $350 million for Perth’s METRONET rail link between Thornlie and Cockburn;
· $177 million towards Adelaide’s North-South Corridor upgrade between Regency Road and Pym Street.
Mr Tudge said the Coalition has also successfully negotiated with State, Territory and Local governments to finalise City Deals for Townsville, Launceston, Western Sydney and Darwin.
“We are also currently negotiating for similar deals for Hobart, Geelong, South-East Queensland and Perth,” he said.
“These City Deals involve projects specifically designed to make Australia’s cities quicker, safer and easier to get around and generally much more pleasant places to live.”