|
Infrastructure Australia has now completed its preliminary audit of the nation's vital economic assets and compiled the infrastructure proposals for prioritisation. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese today received the report containing the information from Infrastructure Australia Chair Sir Rod Eddington. Mr Albanese thanked Sir Rod and his team for the work they have done so far. "No one should underestimate the magnitude of the task Infrastructure Australia has been requested to undertake. This group of highly distinguished Australians has risen to challenge," said Mr Albanese. "In less than nine months, Infrastructure Australia has completed the first ever audit of the condition and adequacy of the nation's transport, water, energy and communications infrastructure. "In addition, they've listed 94 infrastructure proposals for prioritisation from the more than 1,000 put forward in over 600 submissions received from state and territory governments as well as councils, business organisations and members of the public. "This provides the community with an insight into Infrastructure Australia's deliberations and the projects that warrant further considered examination at this time. "Much more work still needs to be done to determine the relative merits of the projects and whether they should be included on the final Priority List scheduled to be handed to government in the first quarter of 2009." Infrastructure Australia's analysis has concluded that future public and private investment needs to be directed towards: - Developing a more competitive broadband system;
- Extending the national energy grids so there's greater flexibility and competition in our power and gas markets, whilst creating new opportunities for renewables;
- Improving port productivity and associated land transport links;
- Lifting the amount of freight shifted by rail;
- Preparing for the impact of climate change on water supplies;
- Expanding public transport services within cities; and
- Improving services to Indigenous communities.
"Nation building is vital to address urban congestion, lift future productivity and economic growth, and assist the transformation to a carbon constrained economy," said Mr Albanese. The long term planning work being undertaken by Infrastructure Australia - together with the $4.7 billion Nation Building plan announced last week by the Prime Minister - is all about making sure Australia has the modern infrastructure it needs to meet the economic, social and environmental challenges of the future. Sir Rod Eddington said Infrastructure Australia will continue to work with project proponents to ensure it has all the information needed to complete the prioritisation process. "Infrastructure Australia will be working with states, territories and the private sector to develop a long-term strategy and to deliver real improvements in the key areas for investment," said Sir Rod. "There is now an historic opportunity for the Australian Government to play a much more hands on role in infrastructure investment. The current economic environment means that we cannot afford to waste it." In addition to undertaking the audit and compiling the infrastructure proposals for prioritisation, Infrastructure Australia has developed national public-private partnership guidelines. The report is available at http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications.aspx
Media Contacts
|
Jeff Singleton (
Mr Albanese's Office ) |
0410 476 890
|
| 