Australia investing $7.5 billion for transport infrastructure projects
A $7.5 billion new investment in national transport infrastructure will boost the national economy, deliver safer roads and create thousands of jobs as part of the Federal Coalition’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
The funding to be delivered in Tuesday’s Budget builds on a series of infrastructure investments from the Commonwealth in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic which now total more than $11.3 billion.
There will be key investments across all states and territories including:
- $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; and
- $88 million for the Molonglo River Bridge in the ACT.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday’s Federal Budget would deliver funding for infrastructure which supports the Government’s JobMaker plan and helps the nation recover from COVID-19.
“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,” the Prime Minister said. “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.
“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.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government is focused on creating jobs and rebuilding our 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.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government is focused on delivering priorities and boosting local jobs as part of Australia’s road to recovery.
“We will draw on local businesses to stimulate local economies through these projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Infrastructure means jobs, it means livelihoods, it means stronger local communities and it means building a better and more secure future for our nation.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to map the economic road back from the pandemic, building the economy and providing certainty for business over the long term.
“These new investments lock in billions across our infrastructure pipeline over 10 years,” Minister Tudge said. “We will continue to invest in the key priority projects which help drive the economy and create jobs across our states and territories.”
