Infrastructure Australia (IA) has released the first 15 year Australian Infrastructure Plan, setting out recommendations for reform and a roadmap for addressing the challenges and opportunities of infrastructure. The plan aims to reduce household costs and deliver solutions for current gaps in transport, energy, water and telecommunications services.
The Plan outlines a clear agenda for cities, including investment to address imbalances between the inner and outer suburbs of our cities, and increasing the delivery of higher density housing that in turn provides high-quality, affordable housing with close connections to infrastructure, community public spaces and world-class amenities. The delivery of consistent long-term metropolitan planning, supported by integrated governance frameworks, is also emphasised as high priority for state and territory governments.
Green Building Council of Australia says this plan meets the need for an objective, transparent approach to decision making for planning in cities, that will remain robust against changes in government.
As part of the Plan, IA has created the ‘Priority List’ of submissions from government, peak bodies and community, to clearly set out the focus of investments that meet the strategic objectives of the Plan. The projects and initiatives submitted were evaluated based on strategic fit, deliverability and economic, social & environmental value. Urban congestion, national connectivity, and corridor preservation were identified as the categories of highest priority.
Consult Australia backs the provision of a pragmatic approach that does not ignore the ‘tough issues’ and includes many of their recommendations.
Property Council of Australia is also supportive of IA’s work in providing the informed list whilst remaining cautious of the challenges the report highlights, such as having only two high priority projects ready for delivery and crucial gaps for further work in governance proposals.
Full media release available here.
Australian Infrastructure Plan and Priority List available here.