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Infrastructure Australia releases Infrastructure Priority List 2021

Written by Monica Gameng | Mar 7, 2021 12:30:00 AM

Infrastructure Australia (IA) has released its 2021 update of the Infrastructure Priority List which showcases the Australian Government's commitment to delivering the infrastructure that the nation needs. 

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the list complements Australia's infrastructure-led economic recovery from the recent COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am pleased to see a strong focus on economic development in regional communities, with projects such as the Federally-funded Parkes Bypass highlighted by IA as a priority corridor which will deliver long-term benefits for the freight operators, farmers and manufacturers of the region. 

“The Priority List helps inform future Australian Government investments as we continue to deliver on our 10-year, $110 billion infrastructure plan which is laying the foundations of economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister McCormack said. 

This year's updated Priority List highlights a $59 billion pipeline of nationally-significant investment opportunities on infrastructure, including 44 new infrastructure proposals – the largest number of new proposals to be added to the Priority List to date. 

Key themes of this year’s Priority List include: 

  • Developing gateways to support our international competitiveness 
  • Investment in new sources of energy 
  • Water security 
  • Regional infrastructure that drives economic development, service quality, digital connectivity and digital health services 

“The Infrastructure Priority List provided important input into the Government’s considerations on which major national infrastructure projects should receive federal funding. 

“The Government has already committed to many of the initiatives on the list, which are helping bust congestion, increase road safety and improve travel times in both regional and urban areas,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said. 

High Priority Projects
State Project name Problem / opportunity Delivery timeframe Category
NSW M12 Motorway Motorway capacity in Western Sydney 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Sydney Metro: City & Southwest Sydney rail network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Western Sydney Airport Sydney aviation capacity 5 - 10 years National connectivity
VIC M80 Ring Road upgrade Melbourne M80 Western Ring Road congestion 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  North East Link Connectivity between M80 and M3 in outer north-east Melbourne 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
QLD Brisbane Metro Brisbane inner-city transport network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
Priority Projects
State Project name Problem / opportunity Delivery timeframe Category
National Inland Rail Freight connectivity between Melbourne and Brisbane 5 - 10 years National connectivity
NSW Parkes Bypass Connectivity 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Port Botany Rail Line Duplication and Cabramatta Passing Loop Sydney freight rail network capacity 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Prospect Highway Upgrade - Reservoir Road to St Martins Crescent Western Sydney road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  More Trains, More Services Stage 2 Sydney rail network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
QLD Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A Extension of the existing GC Light Rail line from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade QLD north coast rail congestion 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Peak Downs Highway Realignment - Walkerston Bypass Freight connectivity in north-east QLD 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
WA Armadale Road Bridge Perth road network capacity 0 - 5  years Efficient urban transport networks
  Bindoon Bypass Freight connectivity between Perth and north-west WA 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  METRONET - High Capacity Signalling Perth rail network capacity 0 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Myalup-Wellington water project Opportunity to develop industry and agriculture in south-west WA 0 - 5 years Access to water
  Bunbury Outer Ring Road - Bunbury Freight Access Enhancement Project WA regional freight network capacity 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
SA Eyre Infrastructure Project - Iron Road Eyre Peninsula freight capacity 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
TAS University of Tasmania - Hobart Science and Technology Precinct Opportunity to stimulate economic growth and productivity in TAS 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  University of Tasmania - Northern Transformation Program Opportunity to stimulate economic growth and productivity in TAS 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
ACT Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Upgrade Renewal of transport infrastructure in Canberra 0 - 5 years Asset renewal
High Priority Initiatives
State Project name Problem / opportunity Delivery timeframe Category
National - Stage 1 Initiatives Bulk water supply security Water supply and resilience for non-potable usage 0 - 5 years Access to water
  Coastal hazards adaptation strategy Sea-level rise, flooding and erosion impacts 0 - 15 years Adaptation and resilience
  Corridor preservation for East Coast High Speed Rail Future rail connectivity between east coast capital cities 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Enabling digital health services for regional and remote Australia Social and telecommunications infrastructure to deliver digital health in regional areas 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  Mobile telecommunications coverage in regional and remote areas Digital connectivity in regional areas 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  National Electricity Market (NEM) - Dispatchable energy storage for firming capacity Firming generation for energy network security 0 - 15 years Efficient markets
  NEM - Renewable Energy Zone expansions Increasing renewable energy generation 0 - 15 years Energy transformation
  NEM - Future connectivity and reliability Connectivity of the NEM regions 5 - 15 years Energy transformation
  National highway electric vehicle fast charging Enabling infrastructure for electric vehicles 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  National road maintenance backlog Maintenance backlog and preventative maintenance 0 - 5 years Asset renewal
  National waste and recycling management Waste management and recycling challenges 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Network Optimisation Program - Rail National urban rail network congestion 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Network Optimisation Program - Roads National urban road network congestion 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Regional road and network safety improvements Safety on regional roads 0 - 5 years Road safety
  Regional telecommunications transmission capacity Telecommunications speed and reliability in regional areas 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Remote housing overcrowding and quality National remote housing conditions 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  Town and city water security Water supply and resilience for town and city populations 0 - 5 years Access to water
NSW - Stage 1 Initiatives Corridor preservation for Outer Sydney Orbital road and rail/M9, and Castlereagh connection Future connectivity between Western Sydney and Central Coast/Illawarra 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Corridor preservation for Western Sydney Airport fuel pipeline Future fuel connection to Western Sydney Airport 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Corridor preservation for Western Sydney Airport rail connections Future rail connections to Western Sydney Airport 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Digital infrastructure to enable smart technologies in the Western Parkland City Digital and smart infrastructure 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  NSW social housing program Social housing conditions 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  Parramatta Outer Ring Road capacity Congestion on roads around Parramatta CBD 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Public transport capacity - Parramatta Road and Victoria Road corridors Congestion on Sydney's Parramatta Road and Victoria Road corridors 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Regional NSW road network safety improvements Safety on regional roads in NSW 0 - 10 years Road safety
  Sydney rail network capacity Sydney rail network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal Freight connectivity in Western Sydney 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Greater Sydney water security Water supply and resilience for Greater Sydney 5 - 10 years Access to water
  Southern Sydney to CBD public transport enhancement Connectivity between inner south urban growth area and Sydney CBD 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
NSW - Stage 2 Initiatives Corridor preservation for Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal access Future freight rail capacity to Eastern Creek intermodal and Sydney Main West Line 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Sydney Metro West Connectivity between Parramatta and Sydney CBD 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
VIC - Stage 1 Initiatives Corridor preservation for Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6 Future connectivity between Melbourne outer south-west and outer north 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Eastern Freeway and CityLink connection Connectivity between Melbourne's Eastern Freeway and CityLink 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melbourne outer northern suburbs to CBD capacity upgrade Melbourne outer northern suburbs access to CBD 5 - 15 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melbourne rail network capacity Melbourne rail network capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
QLD - Stage 1 Initiatives Brisbane northern suburbs corridor capacity Brisbane northern corridor capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  QLD National Land Transport Network maintenance National Land Transport Network upgrade 0 - 5 years Asset renewal
  QLD regional road network safety improvements Safety on regional roads 0 - 5 years Road safety
  South East QLD level crossings congestion and safety South East QLD urban road network congestion and safety 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Port of Brisbane dedicated freight rail connection Freight rail access to Port of Brisbane 5 - 10 years National connectivity
QLD - Stage 2 Initiatives Ipswich Motorway Upgrade - Rocklea to Darra (remaining sections) Southern Brisbane-Ipswich road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  M1 Pacific Motorway capacity - Eight Mile Plains to Tugun Motorway capacity between Brisbane and the Gold Coast 0 - 5 years National connectivity
WA - Stage 1 Initiatives Perth and south-western coast water security Water supply and resilience for Perth and south-western coast 0 - 5 years Access to water
  Mitchell and Kwinana freeways upgrade Perth road network capacity 0 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Regional and rural WA road network safety improvements Safety on regional and rural roads in WA 0 - 5 years Road safety
WA - Stage 2 Initiatives Perth CBD to north corridor capacity Perth northern corridor capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
SA - Stage 1 Initiatives SA road network maintenance Maintenance backlog and preventative maintenance 0 - 5 years Asset renewal
  Adelaide's Outer Ring Route capacity Congestion on roads and around Adelaide CBD 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
NT - Stage 1 Initiatives Enabling infrastructure for developing the Beetaloo Sub-Basin Supporting infrastructure for potential gas market opportunities 10 - 15 years Regional connectivity
Priority Initiatives
State Project name Problem / opportunity Delivery timeframe Category
National - Stage 1 Initiatives Connection between eastern gas markets and gas suppliers Constrained east coast gas supply 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Enabling infrastructure for hydrogen exports Supporting infrastructure for hydrogen 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Indigenous art and cultural facilities program Opportunity for a national program of Indigenous art and cultural centres 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  Melbourne to Adelaide freight rail improvements Rail freight capacity constraint on the interstate rail network 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  NEM - Near-term optimisation Optimisation of the NEM 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Sydney-Canberra rail connectivity and capacity Connectivity between Sydney and Canberra 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Outback Way road access National road connectivity and condition 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  East coast deep water container port capacity Capacity for container ships on the east coast of Australia 10 - 15 years Efficient markets
National - Stage 2 Initiatives Advanced Train Management System implementation on the interstate rail network Rail freight capacity constraint on the interstate rail network 0 - 5 years National connectivity
NSW - Stage 1 Initiatives Freight rail access to Port Kembla Freight rail access to Port Kembla 5 - 10 years Regional connectivity
  Great Western Highway improvements - Katoomba to Lithgow Road connectivity between Katoomba and Lithgow 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Heathcote Road capacity and safety Southern Sydney to Illawarra road network capacity and safety 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Moorebank Intermodal Terminal road connections upgrade Road network connectivity to Moorebank Intermodal Terminal 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Mount Ousley Interchange capacity Illawarra road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Picton Road safety and capacity Road connectivity between Wollongong and south-west Sydney 0 - 10 years Regional connectivity
  Princes Highway safety and capacity - Nowra, NSW to VIC border Connectivity between Nowra and VIC border 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Sydney CBD motorways optimisation Inner Sydney road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Central Station redevelopment Redevelopment of rail and station infrastructure at Central Station 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Broadmeadow precinct regeneration Opportunity for precinct redevelopment and economic growth 5 - 10 years Social infrastructure
  Western Sydney Airport public transport connections Access to Western Sydney Airport 5 - 10 years Regional connectivity
  John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct capacity Capacity constraints and opportunity for new services 10 - 15 years Social infrastructure
  M1 Pacific Motorway - Byron Bay interchange capacity Connectivity to Byron Bay 10 - 15 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Newcastle Airport capacity expansion Newcastle aviation capacity 10 - 15 years Regional connectivity
  Newcastle-Sydney and Wollongong-Sydney rail line upgrades Connectivity between Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney CBD 10 - 15 years National connectivity
NSW - Stage 2 Initiatives A3 and A6 corridor capacity Southern Sydney to Ryde road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Active transport (walking and cycling) access to Sydney CBD Inner city access to Sydney CBD 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood management Flood mitigation in Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley 0 - 5 years Adaptation and resilience
  Newell Highway upgrade Connectivity between Melbourne and Brisbane 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Pacific Highway (A1) - Coffs Harbour bypass Connectivity between Sydney and Brisbane 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Pacific Motorway (M1) - Extension to Raymond Terrace Connectivity between Sydney and Brisbane 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  South Creek integrated land use and water cycle management Opportunity for integrated water cycle management benefits 0 - 5 years Access to water
  M6 Motorway - Connection between the M1 Princes Motorway at Waterfall and the Sydney motorway network Connectivity between Wollongong and Sydney 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  New England Highway upgrade Road connectivity between Sydney and Brisbane 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Stage 2 - Additional track West Ryde to Rhodes and Thornleigh to Hornsby Sydney freight rail network capacity 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Sydney cruise terminal capacity Berthing capacity for cruise ships in Sydney 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link Sydney road network cross-harbour and Northern Beaches connectivity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
VIC - Stage 1 Initiatives Cycling access to Melbourne CBD Cycling access to Melbourne CBD 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Frankston public transport connectivity Public transport connectivity to Frankston 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melbourne container terminal capacity and land transport access Melbourne container terminal capacity 0 - 15 years National connectivity
  Cranbourne Line capacity Melbourne rail network capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melbourne Airport to the CBD public transport capacity Public transport access to Melbourne Airport 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melton Rail Line upgrade Melbourne rail network capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Public transport access to Fishermans Bend Connectivity between Fishermans Bend growth area and Melbourne CBD 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Rail access to Webb Dock Rail connectivity to the Port of Melbourne 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Melbourne-Geelong rail capacity enhancement Melbourne-Geelong rail capacity 5 - 15 years Regional connectivity
  South East Melbourne recycled water supply infrastructure upgrades Water supply and security in South East Melbourne 10 - 15 years Access to water
VIC - Stage 2 Initiatives Melbourne Airport third runway Melbourne aviation capacity 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Melbourne level crossing removal Melbourne urban road network congestion 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Hurstbridge Line capacity Melbourne rail network capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
QLD - Stage 1 Initiatives Browns Plains to Beaudesert road capacity and safety Brisbane road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Browns Plains to South East Busway public transport connectivity Brisbane public transport capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Cairns Western Arterial Road capacity Cairns road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Centenary Motorway capacity Southern Brisbane to CBD road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Gold Coast rail line and station improvements - Kuraby to Beenleigh Brisbane to Gold Coast rail network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Mooloolah River Interchange capacity and safety Sunshine Coast road network capacity 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Warrego Highway east corridor improvements Road connectivity between Brisbane and Toowoomba 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Bowen Basin productivity water supply Opportunity to develop industry and agriculture in the Bowen Basin and surrounding regions 5 - 10 years Access to water
  Ipswich to Springfield transport capacity Connectivity between Ipswich and Springfield 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Port of Gladstone land and sea access upgrade Land and sea access to the Port of Gladstone 5 - 10 years Regional connectivity
  QLD inland road network upgrade Improvements for national, state and local roads in inland QLD 5 - 10 years Regional connectivity
  QLD inland freight route capacity and safety QLD freight network improvements 10 - 15 years Regional connectivity
QLD - Stage 2 Initiatives Brisbane to Gold Coast transport corridor upgrades Brisbane to Gold Coast transport capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Bruce Highway upgrade QLD coastal cities connectivity 0 - 10 years National connectivity
  Cunningham Highway - Yamanto Interchange to Ebenezer Creek Cunningham Highway-Yamanto to Ebenexer/Amberley congestion 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Corridor preservation for Salisbury to Beaudesert rail connection Future urban rail connection between Salisbury and Beaudesert 0 - 5 years Corridor preservation
  Mount Isa-Townsville rail corridor upgrade Mount Isa to Townsville rail capacity 5 - 10 years National connectivity
WA - Stage 1 Initiatives Armadale, Midland and Fremantle rail lines capacity Perth rail network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Australian Marine Complex infrastructure capacity Infrastructure constraints at manufacturing, fabrication and logistics precinct 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Fremantle to Murdoch transport capacity Connectivity between Fremantle and Murdoch 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Great Northern Highway improvements - Broome to Kununurra Road connectivity between Broome and Kununurra 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Land transport access between Karratha and Tom Price Road connectivity between Karratha and Tom Price 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Liquefied natural gas research facility LNG capacity and innovation 0 - 5 years Energy transformation
  Perth level crossings congestion and safety Perth urban road network congestion and safety 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Perth south-east corridor capacity improvements Perth transport network capacity 0 - 15 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Road access improvements for remote WA communities Constrained road access to remote WA communities 0 - 5 years Remote infrastructure
  South West Interconnected System transformation Provision of affordable and reliable electricity services 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Swan River crossing capacity Perth road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  WA agricultural supply chain improvements WA freight network capacity 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  WA regional digital enhancement Telecommunications infrastructure for regional WA 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Perth Airport new runway Perth Airport capacity 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Pilbara ports capacity Opportunity for increased cargo imports and exports 5 - 10 years Efficient markets
  South Coast Highway improvements - Albany to Esperance Road connectivity between Albany and Esperance 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Canning Bridge crossing capacity and interchange Perth transport network capacity 10 - 15 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Perth container terminal capacity and land transport access Perth container terminal capacity 10 - 15 years National connectivity
SA - Stage 1 Initiatives SA High Productivity Vehicle network access SA road freight network capacity 0 - 5 years National connectivity
  Spencer Gulf crossing capacity Road connectivity in Port Augusta 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  Adelaide level crossings congestion and safety Adelaide urban road network congestion and safety 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Adelaide public transport capacity and access Adelaide public transport capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Northern SA productive water security Water security for industry in Far North SA 5 - 10 years Access to water
  Barossa Valley Region water supply Water security for agricultural production in the Barossa Valley 10 - 15 years Access to water
  Gawler Craton rail access Freight rail connection to Gawler Craton mineral province 10 - 15 years Regional connectivity
SA - Stage 2 Initiatives Adelaide North-South Corridor upgrade - Remaining sections Adelaide north-south urban road network capacity 0 - 5 years Efficient urban transport networks
  Strzelecki Track upgrade and mobile coverage Access to Cooper Basin SA 0 - 5 years Regional connectivity
  SA regional bulk port development SA bulk port capacity 5 - 10 years Regional connectivity
TAS - Stage 1 Initiatives Hobart port precinct capacity improvements Port and wharf infrastructure capacity at Hobart Port 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  Port of Burnie capacity Infrastructure capacity for large vessels at Burnie Port 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  TAS sewerage infrastructure upgrades TAS waste-water treatment environmental compliance 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
TAS - Stage 2 Initiatives Burnie to Hobart freight corridor improvement Freight network planning 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  Derwent River crossing capacity TAS Derwent River crossing capacity 5 - 10 years National connectivity
  TAS irrigation schemes - Tranche 3 Opportunity to develop industry and agriculture in TAS 5 - 10 years Access to water
ACT - Stage 1 Initiatives Australian Institute of Sport modernisation Sport and research social infrastructure 0 - 5 years Social infrastructure
  Canberra public transport improvements Canberra public transport capacity 5 - 10 years Efficient urban transport networks
NT - Stage 1 Initiatives Common user infrastructure at the Middle Arm Precinct Infrastructure constraints at the proposed Middle Arm Industrial Precinct 0 - 5 years Efficient markets
  NT large-scale solar generation Opportunity for renewable generation of energy for domestic and export uses 5 - 10 years Energy transformation
  NT remote community power generation program Energy supply sources for remote NT communities 5 - 10 years Remote infrastructure
NT - Stage 2 Initiatives Enabling infrastructure and essential services for remote NT communities - Wadeye, Tiwi Islands, Jabiru Infrastructure services for remote NT communities 0 - 5 years Remote infrastructure
  Tanami Road upgrade Constrained access to the Tanami region 0 - 5 years Remote infrastructure
  Darwin region water supply infrastructure upgrades Darwin water supply security 5 - 10 years Access to water

 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Infrastructure Australia (1, 2); The Urban Developer 
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