Infrastructure sector receives $24.5B backing in Federal Budget

15 May 2018, NATIONAL - 

The federal budget traditionally unveils a collection of much-needed infrastructure projects and this year's announcement is no different, with $24.5 billion set aside for new major transport projects throughout Australia.

This year, most of the projects were known prior to the budget announcement with almost all of them coming from Infrastructure Australia’s "High Priority List". A diplomatic approach has clearly been championed, with each state getting the green light for significant projects that will make a difference to their infrastructure capacity.

Some of the key projects are:

• WA: Over $1B for the state government Metronet rail projects;
• NT: $1.5B dedicated to Northern Australia from the Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative;
• QLD: $3.3B for the Bruce Highway;
• NSW: $1B on a Pacific Highway upgrade, plus $400M for the Port Botany rail link;
• VIC: Up to $5 billion for a Melbourne Airport to CBD rail link;
• SA: North-South Road Corridor gets $1.4B for future priorities;
• TAS: $461M for the new Bridgewater Bridge and $400M to upgrade the Bass Highway; and
• National: $10B National Rail Program to improve intercity connections.

With an approaching election in 2019 influencing things, it is no surprise that this years’ infrastructure commitments illustrate a strong economy combined with a confident government willing to invest heavily on national infrastructure projects.

Donald Cant Watts Corke has also recently increased its presence and activity in this sector, having appointed a new Managing Director of Infrastructure, Peter Gill, to head up a rejuvenated national team.

We are also proud to have worked on a number of infrastructure projects featured in this year's budget, including the Sunshine Coast Light Rail and Bruce Highway in Queensland, as well as Gunn Point Road in the Northern Territory, which will be receiving additional funding to support their programs of work.

To learn more about how we can help you with your next Infrastructure project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.