$17.9 billion boost for infrastructure across Australia

Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

Australia continues to benefit from the Morrison-Joyce Government’s record infrastructure investment, with $17.9 billion committed towards new and existing infrastructure projects in the infrastructure pipeline in this week’s Federal Budget.

With investments in new and existing infrastructure projects in every state and territory, the Government’s rolling 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase from $110 billion to over $120 billion, a new record.

As part of our plan for a stronger future, our Government is continuing to invest in projects that create jobs, keep commuters and freight safe and moving, and drive economic growth.

Key new commitments funded in the 2022-23 Budget include:

  • $3.1 billion in new commitments to deliver the $3.6 billion Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package (VIC), including:
    • $1.2 billion for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in Beveridge, taking the total investment to $1.62 billion;
    • $280 million for Road Connections, including Camerons Lane Interchange, to the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal;
    • $740 million for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina; and
    • $920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to the Western Interstate Freight Terminal.
  • $1.6 billion for the Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (Beerwah-Maroochydore) rail extension (QLD)
  • 1.121 billion for the Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Kuraby – Beenleigh) faster rail upgrade (QLD)
  • $1 billion for the Sydney to Newcastle – (Tuggerah to Wyong) faster rail upgrade (NSW)
  • $678 million for Outback Way (NT, WA, QLD)
  • $336 million for the Pacific Highway – Wyong Town Centre (NSW)
  • $336 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Northern Roads Package – Stage 2 (TAS)
  • $200 million for the Marion Road – Anzac Highway to Cross Road (SA)
  • $145 million for the Thomas Road – Dual Carriageway – South Western Highway to Tonkin Highway and interchange at Tonkin Highway (WA)
  • $140 million for Regional Road Safety upgrades (WA)
  • $132 million for Central Australian Tourism Roads (NT)
  • $120 million for the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package (SA)
  • $46.7 million towards the Athllon Drive Duplication (ACT)

The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects and Roads of Strategic Importance corridors, including:

  • $2.264 billion for the North South Corridor – Torrens to Darlington (SA)
  • $352 million for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass (NSW)
  • $320 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stages 2 and 3) (WA)
  • $200 million for the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension (WA)
  • $45 million for the Ballarat to Ouyen – Future Priorities (VIC)
  • $68.5 million for the Cooktown to Weipa Corridor Upgrade bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $258.5 million (QLD)

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s record infrastructure investment was keeping Australians moving and supporting thousands of local jobs across the country.

“A strong economy means a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong.

“by investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the country.

“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.

“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Australia over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the country.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation and economy stronger.

“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of our economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.

“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world leading economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.

“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as COVID-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this investment would support sustainable growth across Australia.

“Our Government has a strong track record in delivering infrastructure that improves connections, reduces congestion and helps keep Australians moving, particularly across our fast growing urban centres,” Minister Fletcher said.

“What this means for commuters is less time spent in traffic and more time with loved ones, and the ability to move around more easily for work, which has a positive economic and productivity impact while helping to secure long-term prosperity and liveability.”

/Public Release. View in full here.