The Federal Government have committed $35.5 billion for a huge variety of public infrastructure projects designed to meet Australia’s upcoming challenges in the 21st century, $1.75 billion of which will be committed to an extension of the Roads to Recovery programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss introduced the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill, which maps out the Government’s future infrastructure priorities.
“We are moving to deliver the infrastructure Australia critically needs through our $35.5 billion Infrastructure Investment Programme, which, over six years, will build the vital road and rail projects to improve efficiency, boost productivity and drive Australia’s economy forward” Mr Truss said.
The Bill also reflects the Government’s commitment to the Roads to Recovery Programme, locking in its future for a further five years (beyond the current end date of 30 June 2014 to 30 June 2019), with $1.75 billion of funding.
“Roads to Recovery provides vital funding to local governments for the maintenance of the nation’s local road infrastructure,” Mr Truss said.
“Further, the Government has committed $300 million to the Black Spot Programme addressing road sites that are high risk areas for serious crashes, in addition to our new $300 million Bridges Renewal programme to restore dilapidated local bridges.
“We are also allowing for funding of a new type of project within Transport Development and Innovation Projects for research to inform and enhance the management of the Infrastructure Investment Programme.
Mr Truss emphasised that the Government is working with state and territory governments, as well as the private sector, to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects.
“Australia’s future growth and prosperity will be significantly influenced by our capacity to deliver more appropriate, efficient and effective infrastructure.”
