Infrastructure News

Gov launches review to secure Australia’s $120B infrastructure pipeline

Eliza Sayon May 2, 2023

2 min read

The Albanese Government has announced that it will undertake a review of its infrastructure pipeline, which is valued at $120 billion over a 10-year period.

Under the previous Liberal and Nationals governments, the number of infrastructure projects in the Infrastructure Investment Program increased from almost 150 to 800, but many projects were left without adequate funding or resources.

The clogged pipeline led to delays and overruns in important nation-building projects, and some 160 projects were approved with a commitment of $5 million or less.

The review will assess the current state of the program and determine which land transport infrastructure projects are nationally significant and nation-shaping.

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Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King states that the review is a responsible action by the Albanese Government.

“It is time to clean up the mess left by the Liberals and Nationals clogging the pipeline with ‘press release projects’ – announced but unable to be delivered,” she said.

“This review will put confidence back into the investment pipeline, benefitting the states and territories and the communities we all serve.”

The review will be undertaken by Reece Waldock, Clare Gardiner-Barnes, and Mike Mrdak, who all have extensive expertise in land transport infrastructure.

The review process will involve consultation with local, state, and territory governments to assess which projects are actual priorities and determine their cost and deliverability in the current climate.

“A properly functioning infrastructure investment pipeline means projects can be delivered with more confidence about timeframes and budgets,” Minister King said.

“Communities will benefit from national significant infrastructure with shorter and safer travel, more liveable cities, suburbs and regions, while the economy benefits from the certainty brought by a smoother delivery of investment matched to project timelines.”

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The Albanese Government is committed to delivering on its election commitments and following through on projects already under construction.

The proper management of the infrastructure investment pipeline should lead to projects that have a lasting benefit for Australia, enhance economic and social productivity, and be resilient to climate change.

The review is expected to put confidence back into the investment pipeline and benefit the states, territories, and communities they serve.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.