2020-21 Budget invests $7.5bn in national transport infrastructure

The Australian Government has invested $7.5 billion in national transport infrastructure through the recently released 2020-21 Federal Budget. 

The $7.5 billion national transport infrastructure funding is broken down into the following: 

• $2.7 billion in New South Wales 
• $1.3 billion in Queensland 
• $1.1 billion in Victoria 
• $1.1 billion in Western Australia 
• $625 million in South Australia 
• $360 million in Tasmania 
• $190 million in the Northern Territory 
• $155 million in the Australian Capital Territory 

This significant funding commitment is part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan that is aimed at creating thousands of jobs as well as delivering safer roads for Australians. 

To date, the Australian Government has invested a total of more than $11.3 billion in infrastructure in response to the current pandemic. 

“As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan we have invested an additional $11.3 billion focused on shovel-ready projects across the country. 

“This investment through Tuesday’s Budget will boost the national economy and is part of our plan to support an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the nation,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

Key investments across all states and territories will include: 

• $560 million for the Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway in New South Wales 
• $528 million for the Shepparton and Warrnambool Rail Line Upgrades in Victoria 
• $750 million for Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector (Coomera to Nerang) in Queensland 
• $88 million for the Reid Highway Interchange with West Swan Road in Western Australia 
• $200 million for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade in South Australia 
• $150 million for the Midway Point Causeway (including McGees Bridge) and Sorell Causeway as part of the Hobart to Sorell Roads of Strategic Importance corridor in Tasmania 
• $120 million to upgrade the Carpentaria Highway in the Northern Territory 
• $88 million for the Molonglo River Bridge in the ACT 

“We have been working closely with state and territory governments to invest in the infrastructure that is ready to go and can help rebuild our economy and create more jobs. 

“These projects will keep commuters safe on the road, get people home to their loved ones sooner and provide better transport links for urban and regional communities,” the Prime Minister said. 

According to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the Government is focusing on creating jobs as well as rebuilding the national economy. 

“Infrastructure helps to create jobs and to get people where they want to go sooner and safer. 

“These commitments will help to get the economy moving,” the Treasurer said. 

As part of the country’s road to recovery, the Australian Government is focused on delivering priority projects and boosting the creation of local jobs. 

“We will draw on local businesses to stimulate local economies through these projects. 

“Infrastructure means jobs, it means livelihood, it means stronger local communities and it means building a better and more secure future for our nation,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Investments on major infrastructure projects will help pave the way to economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic as well as help rebuild the economy and provide long-term certainty for Australian businesses. 

“These new investments lock in billions across our infrastructure pipeline over 10 years. 

“We will continue to invest in the key priority projects which help drive the economy and create jobs across our states and territories,” Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Inside Construction; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia