Infrastructure Australia has highlighted the preservation of future rail corridors, the development of metro-style passenger networks in key cities, and reform in the planning and funding of transport infrastructure, in its 15-year reform and investment roadmap, released on Wednesday.
IA released the first Australian Infrastructure Plan on February 17, as the result of last year’s Northern Australia Audit and Australian Infrastructure Audit papers, and an extensive industry submission and stakeholder consultation process.
The paper is the result of amendments made to the Infrastructure Australia Act in 2014, which tasked the independent body with responsibility to develop 15-year rolling infrastructure plans.
This year’s plan sets out 78 recommendations for reform.
Released alongside the plan is the Infrastructure Priority List, which outlines high priority projects and initiatives being monitored by the IA board.
Key investments recommended in the list include new metro rail systems in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, road and rail initiatives to bust urban congestion in Perth, public transport improvements in Adelaide and Canberra, and urban renewal in Hobart.
Australasian Railway Association boss Danny Broad welcomed IA’s plan.
“The plan reflects a holistic approach to infrastructure planning and decision making,” Broad said, “and will go a long way in providing innovative solutions to a number of significant infrastructure problems (such as congestion in the transport sector) which are holding Australia back.”
Broad said a number of the recommendations made by IA reinforce the issues the ARA has raised for some time, such as longer term planning, reform in the funding of transport infrastructure, protecting of rail corridors for future public transport and freight projects, and the nation’s ability to make informed decisions on infrastructure projects based on evidence.
“In order for Australia to truly progress, it is crucial that this independent, objective and thorough plan be turned into reality,” he said.
“The plan promotes economic growth and improved liveability of cities while highlighting the crucial role freight and passenger rail will play in our future.
“I call on the state and territory governments to develop business plans for key projects on the Priority List.
“It is essential that passenger rail projects such as the Cross River Rail and metro style services in Melbourne and Sydney, the electrification of the Gawler Line in Adelaide, the new and extended light rail services in Canberra, Parramatta and Adelaide, as well as the North Corridor in Perth, all receive Commonwealth and state funding.”
Broad also encouraged governments to recognise the “strong case” the plan presents for more freight on rail.
“The plan will only be as good as the commitments and leadership that follow,” he said.
“It is up to the Australian Government to provide strong leadership by setting policy objectives and providing appropriate funding and incentives to encourage other governments to take action.”
The papers are available on the Infrastructure Australia website.