Media Releases

Strengthening Maritime Security

The Rudd Labor Government has moved to strengthen security at Australian ports as well as oil and gas facilities to better protect maritime infrastructure from the threat of terrorism.

Major Rail Upgrade Complete Between Melbourne and South Australian Border

The Rudd Government today announced the completion of the final stage of the $105 million upgrade of the rail link between Melbourne and the South Australian border today.
(Media release issued by the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, Minister for Finance and Deregulation Federal Member for Melbourne; David Marchant, Chief Executive ARTC; and the Hon Richard Marles MP, Federal Member for Corio.)

2010 Will Be a Big Year for Nation Building

Over the coming twelve months the Rudd Labor Government's ambitious infrastructure program will step up another gear, with construction work expected to get underway on major road and rail projects worth more than $20 billion.

New Community Recreation Park Opened in Winton

Winton locals celebrated Australia Day today with a community breakfast and a game of backyard cricket at the official opening of the new Community Recreation Park adjacent to the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

Trayning Celebrates Opening of New Community Facilities

Five new infrastructure projects were officially opened today in the Trayning community as part of their Australia Day celebrations.

Community Infrastructure Projects Opened in Wattle Range

Local residents and visitors to the Penola region will benefit from new community infrastructure projects which officially opened on Australia Day, including a new regional playground at Penola Memorial Park.

Ungarie Swimming Pool Redevelopment Opens on Australia Day

The Ungarie community today celebrated Australia Day with the official opening of the local swimming pool upgrade.

Yilgarn Recreation Complex Upgrade Opened

The Yilgarn community today celebrated Australia Day with the opening of the newly upgraded Southern Cross Recreation Complex.

Community Infrastructure Projects Opened in Dingee

The Dingee Community today celebrated Australia Day with a lawn bowls tournament, marking the opening of the Dingee Tennis and Bowls Centre and the installation of an irrigation system at the Dingee Recreational Reserve.

Swimming Pool Upgrade Makes a Splash in Cunnamulla

Children in Cunnamulla will be able to stay cool this summer with the official opening of the rebuilt Cunnamulla Kiddies Pool, celebrated today at the town's annual Australia Day breakfast.

New Playground Opened at Bruce Rock Recreation Centre

The Bruce Rock community in Western Australia today marked the opening of a brand new playground at their Recreation Centre in conjunction with their 'Australia Day at the Pool' celebrations.

Gold Coast Airports $100 Million New Terminal Open

Today, Anthony Albanese, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Paul Lucas, Queensland Deputy Premier, officially opened the $100 million terminal redevelopment at Gold Coast Airport.

Tender Awarded for Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link Study

ACIL Tasman Pty Ltd and Hyder Consulting Plc have been selected to conduct the feasibility study into a possible rail line between Maldon and Port Kembla via Dombarton.

First Stage of Townsville Port Access Road to Open to Traffic

An important milestone has been reached on the Townsville Port Access Road project, with the 2.5 kilometre Stuart Bypass set to open to traffic tomorrow (22 January) and take up to 500 trucks a day off local roads.

Work Underway on Stage 3 of Kirkwood Road

Construction of Kirkwood Road (Stage 3) is now underway following today's official sod turning ceremony.

Launch of Year of Women in Local Government

The Rudd Labor Government has thrown its support behind the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government, an initiative to improve the participation of women in local government leadership and management.

New Era of Investment in Adelaide's Rail Network

Coinciding with Federal Cabinet's third visit to South Australia, the Rudd and Rann Labor governments have today released more details about the Gawler Rail Line upgrade.

Road Safety: Motorists Must Heed the Warnings

One of the biggest obstacles to far fewer deaths on the nation's roads appears to be motorists themselves, with a new survey confirming that many of them are still engaging in risky behaviour such as speeding, driving under the influence, driving distracted and driving while tired.

Historic Day for the Nation's Rail Industry

At midnight tonight management of the rail line between the Queensland border and the Brisbane suburb of Acacia Ridge transfers to the Australian Rail Track Corporation under a 60 year lease.

Keirle Park Sporting and Community Pavilion Opens in Manly

Today, I officially opened the brand-new Keirle Park Sporting and Community Pavilion, with the Mayor of Manly Council, Jean Hay, funded through the Rudd Labor Government's Community Infrastructure Program.

South-West Queensland Roads to Receive $8 Million in Funding

The Rudd and Bligh Labor governments have awarded two contracts totalling $8 million to Boral Resources to reseal 405 kilometres of road in south-west Queensland.

Work Begins on Truckie Rest Areas Along Port Wakefield Road

The construction of five new and the refurbishment of eight existing rest areas along Port Wakefield Road have commenced, providing more safe places for truck drivers to take a break or catch up on their sleep.

Early Works Underway on Sapphire to Woolgoolga Duplication

Preparations for the duplication of the Pacific Highway between Sapphire and Woolgoolga are in full swing, with the relocation of water mains now underway.

More Work On Cooroy To Curra To Start This Month

Fulton Hogan has been selected to undertake the second construction package at the southern end of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra), Section B upgrade, with this work getting underway within weeks.

Australia and The United States Meet To Discuss Aviation Security

Today I met with the Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute to discuss the enhanced border security procedures put in place following the attempted Christmas Day attack. We also discussed ways to bolster our collective efforts to disrupt and prevent future acts of terrorism.

New, Tougher Pollution Emission Standards for Vehicles

Industry and the broader community are being asked to comment on new regulations that would cut emissions from all new cars, 4WDs and Utes sold in Australia by as much as 90 per cent.

Fuel Excise and Road Funding

Australian motorists are not being short-changed.