Major Projects & Infrastructure, Operations & Maintenance, Resources, Track & Civil Construction, Workforce

More infrastructure funding for rail and road

Freight rail track - stock - credit Shutterstock (8)

The Federal Government is providing $2.3 billion towards projects across the country, aimed at ensuring Australia’s road and rail networks remain strong, efficient and safe into the future.

Through the 2021-22 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, projects include:

  • $316.1 million for the Coomera Connector Stage 1 (Coomera to Nerang) in Queensland
  • $300 million for projects to support the delivery of METRONET in Western Australia
  • $80 million for the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program in Tasmania;
  • $50 million for the Lefevre Peninsula Upgrades Project in South Australia
  • $17.93 million for intersection upgrades at four locations across the Australian Capital Territory, to keep pedestrians and motorists safe; and
  • $6 million for the Caulfield to Rowville Link business case (Victoria).

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Government is continuing to invest in new and existing infrastructure projects that will create more jobs for Australians and help secure economic recovery.

“Better roads cut travel times for tradies and truck drivers, enabling them to attend more jobs in a day, while improved rail lines ensure businesses can get their products to market, helping them grow and boosting our regional economies,” he said.

“Regional Australia is at the heart of this investment, with investment in key highways, critical freight routes, town bypasses, rail links and supporting infrastructure for the important Inland Rail project.”

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth Government was making critical investments in urban areas aimed at easing congestion.

“We’re providing significant additional funding to projects that keep our cities moving, including a $316.1 million boost for Stage 1 of South East Queensland’s Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang, and $300 million to roll out yet more public transport investment in Perth under METRONET,” he said.

“We are continuing to work closely with state, territory and local governments to get on with the job of delivering these critical infrastructure projects.”