Transit Links a Priority for $55bn Infrastructure Pipeline: Report

More than $55 billion of priority infrastructure is needed to shape Australia’s cities and regions in the next 15 years, according to the latest Infrastructure Australia report.

With an expected population growth of nearly 12 million people by 2047, transit projects have been listed as a priority in the government agency’s report.

Upgrading rail and public transport infrastructure will be key in enabling regional areas to develop stronger economic and employment links to Australia’s major cities.

The blueprint identified 96 major infrastructure projects already under way, in the planning stages or on the agenda.

Infrastructure chair Julieanne Alroe said projects to improve the rail network capacity in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth would improve the connectivity of satellite cities.

“The priority list identifies a number of additional opportunities to improve connectivity between capitals and neighbouring cities,” she said.

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NSW has more high priority projects than the rest of the country, with projects such as the M4 Motorway upgrade (Parramatta to Lapstone); WestConnex (Sydney’s inner-west road congestion); Sydney Metro: City and Southwest (Sydney’s rail network capacity); and Western Sydney Airport.

Victoria’s high priority project consists of the Melbourne M80 western Ring road upgrade.

While Queensland has the final high priority initiative with Brisbane’s Metro which includes the Cross River Rail.

Infrastructure Australia said an additional $25 billion worth of projects have moved off the Priority List and into the delivery phase across the country.

These projects include Melbourne Metro Rail and Murray Basin Rail in Victoria, the Adelaide-Tarcoola Rail Upgrade Acceleration in South Australia, Bringelly Road Upgrade Stage two in Western Sydney and the progressive upgrades of the Bruce Highway in Queensland.