The investment blueprint to address the nation’s critical infrastructure needs and opportunities over the next decade has been laid out in Infrastructure Australia’s new Infrastructure Priority List.
Released today, the new Infrastructure Priority List (IPL) is Infrastructure Australia’s independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on the highest-priority proposals that should be considered for investment over the next 10 years.
The list features 68 proposals that aim to strengthen the nation’s transport connectivity, ports and freight networks, water security, and support the transition to a net zero and clean energy economy.
Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive Officer Adam Copp said the list represents Infrastructure Australia’s top-down view—based on its assessment of the infrastructure gaps and opportunities across the nation—of the proposals that can best strengthen the nation’s productivity, liveability and sustainability now and for the future.
“From our growing population and the strength of our economy to the liveability and connectivity of our cities and regions—everything hinges on having the right infrastructure invested in at the right time,” Mr Copp said.
“This investment blueprint will give the Australian Government the confidence, clarity and evidence it needs on what the highest priority proposals are for the country that can address critical infrastructure gaps and unlock economic opportunities.”
Infrastructure Australia’s IPL strategically targets proposals that should be considered for planning or delivery investment now, as well as those that should be targeted for investment over the next ten years.
“Providing this short to long-term outlook will help the Australian Government address immediate infrastructure needs while maintaining a healthy pipeline of projects aligned with the market’s capacity to deliver,” Mr Copp said.
“This will ensure the government knows when a proposal is needed most by communities while also giving taxpayers the best bang for their buck.”
Each proposal on the new IPL responds to one of five key priority areas identified by Infrastructure Australia to meet the nation’s critical needs and aspirations now and into the future. These priority areas include:
- High Productivity Freight Networks—Enhancing the capacity, interoperability and resilience of nationally-important freight corridors and networks for higher productivity rail and road freight.
- Ports Capacity and Connectivity—Increasing national ports capacity and strengthening import-export supply chains with last mile freight and intermodal connections for ports and port precincts.
- High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities—Building safe, efficient and city shaping transport for our fast-growing urban populations and unlocking priority growth areas and precincts for housing and development.
- Secure Sustainable Water for Growth—Providing secure, climate-resilient water and wastewater capacity in cities and regions to support housing growth and increasing demands from water-intensive industries.
- Delivering Net Zero and Clean Energy Economy—Delivering large-scale renewable generation, storage and transmission, including enabling infrastructure, and unlocking national economic opportunities from the net zero transition.
“These priority areas ensure there are clear objectives and benefits for the nation in the Australian Government investing in these proposals,” Mr Copp said.
“Whether it involves upgrading key freight links to boost Australia’s trade competitiveness or exploring new public transport connections that could improve mobility, unlock housing and create jobs—each proposal has the potential to materially improve the nation’s productivity, liveability and sustainability.”
Throughout Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation and selection of the highest priority proposals for the country, consideration was given to the priorities of each state and territory government seeking co-investment from the Australian Government.
The IPL is one of several inputs the Australian Government considers when making investment decisions. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee funding, and proposals not featured may still be supported through Commonwealth funding pathways. Eligible proposals not selected for the 2026 IPL can be considered for inclusion on future updates to the IPL.
To view Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List, visit infrastructureaustralia.gov.au.