Article – Abbott government delivering $35.5 billion in infrastructure

3 March 2014
Adam Davies
Northern Star
THE Federal Government has taken the first step toward delivering more than $35.5 billion worth of infrastructure across the nation.
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has introduced the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill into Federal Parliament which maps out the government’s infrastructure priorities and projects.
Projects in the bill include the $6.7 billion Bruce Highway upgrade, $5.6 billion Pacific Highway duplication, $1 billion Gateway Motorway upgrade and $700 million for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.
Mr Truss said the bill was the first step in delivering the biggest infrastructure agenda in Australia’s history.
“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,” he said.
Mr Truss said the government was 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,” he said.
“Our collaboration with states and territories and the private sector will enable the successful delivery of the infrastructure Australia expects, industries need and our people deserve.”
He said the government has also committed a further $300 million to finalise plans, engineering design and environmental assessments for the Inland Rail project which starts in Melbourne and passes through Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley before finishing at the Port of Brisbane.
Courtesy of the Northern Star