The Federal Government has committed $9.6 billion to infrastructure projects ahead of next week’s 2022-23 Federal Budget.
The funding commitments in the upcoming Budget features $2.75 billion for Victorian projects, $2.5 billion for the Northern Territory, $1.47 billion for Queensland, $1 billion for New South Wales, $685 million for Tasmania, $670 million for Western Australia and $660 million for South Australia.
The key projects involved include $300 million for the Western Sydney Roads Package and $500 million for the High Speed Rail Authority; $586.4 million for a major Bruce Highway upgrade; and $1.5 billion for upgrading importing freight highways, sealing the Tanami, and upgrading the Dukes, Stuart and Augusta highways in South Australia.
It also allocates $2.2 billion towards the Suburban Rail Link in Victoria; $540 million to upgrade Tasmania’s road corridors including the Bass, Tasman, East and West Tamar highways; and $125 million to help build an electric bus network for Perth.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said fulfilling his government’s election commitments would deliver better outcomes for the Australian economy.
“Sound and planned infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity for our cities and our regions,” he said.
“It’s about making journeys quicker, but also making sure Australians can get home to their families safely.
“Through our first Budget, my team is getting on with the job of delivering projects in consultation with Infrastructure Australia and all levels of Government to make a real difference to the lives of Australians.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Budget commitments would support and strengthen further economic development.
“Investing in national significant highways and roads will help the economy while putting much needed money into regional and urban roads will help make life easier and safer for everyone,” she said.
“Good infrastructure helps strengthen the economy and build connections between communities.”