The Melbourne Metro and Murray Basin Rail have been identified as priority projects by Infrastructure Australia in a publication assessing the nation’s most pressing infrastructure needs. Australia’s independent advisory body added 3 new projects to the national Infrastructure Priority list released Friday, citing urban congestion and national connectivity as the main issues initiatives will need to address.
“The Murray Basin Rail Project and Bringelly Road Upgrade Stage 2 are now regarded as Priority Projects by Infrastructure Australia, and the Melbourne Metro a High Priority Project? said Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher on Friday.
The list was notably void of any additions or major progressions in Queensland initiatives, with the Cross River Rail project, Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail, Cunningham Highway upgrade and Port of Brisbane freight rail connection still under business case development or assessment.
Last year, the Federal Government committed to investing $50 billion in over 1,000 transport projects across the country, with public infrastructure investment at 1.6 per cent of GDP. In Queensland, the State Government also promised an extra $1.5 billion boost to the State Infrastructure Fund to fast-track economic growth and boost regional areas.
With Queensland still in need of transport infrastructure and stuck in limbo awaiting the progression of the Cross River Rail, ETCS implementation and Pacific Motorway upgrades ? will 2017 finally be the year the State’s major road and rail projects get the green light?
For engineering professionals interested in finding new projects to advance your career, or the next addition to your team, please feel free to contact me to set aside some time to chat with you above your next career move.
– Dane Leeson, Senior Consultant