Newsletters

In recent weeks, our Future Cities report has sparked debate over what future we envision for our cities and regions and the crucial planning decisions ahead. Our growing population—set to reach 36 million by 2046—presents exciting opportunities to boost our national productivity, and strong infrastructure planning will be a key means by which we take advantage of this growth.

There has been a lot of public discussion in the media this week about Australia's population growth and how much growth our cities can handle. Public debate about important national issues is healthy, but our view at Infrastructure Australia is that we need to be talking about how we grow, not how much we grow.

In 2017, we have seen positive changes including government commitments on important issues such as developing a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and increasing investment in planning and project development work.

I'm pleased this month to welcome Julieanne Alroe as the new Chair of Infrastructure Australia.

Since its creation in 2008, under the outstanding leadership of Sir Rod Eddington, Infrastructure Australia has filled a critical role as a national leader on infrastructure priorities. Legislation passed (with all-Party support) in 2014 further strengthened IA's functions and independence.

To get infrastructure planning and delivery right, you must have a long-term focus. There could be no better example of this than when it comes to protecting the corridors Australia needs to provide future railways, roads and utility networks.

With infrastructure a focus of the 2017–18 Federal Budget, we have seen continued public commentary on the important role infrastructure investment can play in improving living standards and boosting Australia’s economic productivity.

Infrastructure Australia has published a newly revised Infrastructure Priority List identifying 100 major proposals that Australia needs over the next 15 years to boost our quality of life and grow our economy.

As 2016 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and reflect on the productive year that it has been for Infrastructure Australia.

Today the Australian Government delivered its official response to our 15-year Australian Infrastructure Plan.