AusLink II on the table: Vaile

<p>The Commonwealth Government will consider a new national corridor strategy, dubbed AusLink II, when Cabinet meets next week, the minister for transport and regional services, Mark Vaile, said on Friday (February 16).</p> <p>While Mr Vaile would not confirm the $19 bn figure reported by the <em>Australian</em> , he called on state governments to match federal investment in road and rail infrastructure.</p> <p>&#8220In recent years, for the first time in this nation’s history, the Commonwealth Government is prepared to move away from the traditional hierarchical system we’re focussing on providing funds through certain mechanisms where it’s most needed,&#8221 he told delegates at the Australian Logistics Council forum at the Gold Coast.</p> <p>&#8220There are many commentators who say it’s not enough money. Well it’s never going to be enough money. </p> <p>&#8220But it’s a bloody sight more than it’s ever been before.</p> <p>&#8220For the first time infrastructure investment and planning is being guided by a five-year national plan &#8211 that’s AusLink I &#8211 with a 20-year horizon. </p> <p>&#8220AusLink’s approach to future investment planning is based on the development of long-term corridor strategies across the AusLink national network.&#8221</p> <p>The Government’s aim was to use the strategy to make funding decisions on the basis of the best solution, whether it was road infrastructure project, a better rail link, or new technology, Mr Vaile said.</p> <p>&#8220Our approach to investment planning on the corridors focuses on the whole corridor, is multi-modal, [and&#93 identifies major bottlenecks and efficiencies.</p> <p>&#8220In many parts of Australia we’re suffering not first world, but second and third world infrastructure. We shouldn’t have to.&#8221</p> <p>AusLink II would start in 2009, Mr Vaile confirmed.</p> <p>Mr Vaile told the forum that the Federal Government would invest $1.6m into the logistics council over the next four years, to lead a new National Logistics Strategy.</p> <p>The new strategy will be put together over the next 12 months and be implemented by 2010. </p> <br />