More funding for major infrastructure projects into Australia’s road and rail networks will be made in a bid to create new jobs and drive economic recovery.
Through the 2021-22 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the federal government is providing $2.3 billion towards projects across Australia.
The projects receiving funding include:
- $316.1 million for the Coomera Connector Stage 1 (Coomera to Nerang) in Queensland;
- $300 million for projects to support the delivery of Metronet in Western Australia;
- $96 million for a heavy vehicle bypass in Tenterfield, reducing congestion in the town centre and improving efficiency and safety for road users;
- $80 million for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, ensuring the delivery of one of the Hunter’s biggest ever infrastructure projects;
- $80 million for the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program in Tasmania;
- $50 million for the Lefevre Peninsula Upgrades Project in South Australia;
- $17.93 million for intersection upgrades at four locations across the Australian Capital Territory, to keep pedestrians and motorists safe; and
- $6 million for the Caulfield to Rowville Link business case (Victoria).
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Government is continuing to invest in new and existing infrastructure projects.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to build and upgrade the infrastructure needed to keep our economy growing and trains, trucks and cars moving safely and efficiently,” Joyce said.
“Better roads cut travel times for tradies and truck drivers, enabling them to attend more jobs in a day, while improved rail lines ensure businesses can get their products to market, helping them grow and boosting our regional economies.
“Regional Australia is at the heart of this investment, with funding for key highways, critical freight routes, town bypasses, rail links and supporting infrastructure for the important Inland Rail project.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth Government was making critical investments in urban areas aimed at easing congestion and improving road safety.
“We’re providing significant additional funding to projects that keep our cities moving, including a $316.1 million boost for Stage 1 of South East Queensland’s Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang, and $300 million to roll out yet more public transport investment in Perth under Metronet,” Fletcher said.
“We are continuing to work closely with state, territory and local governments to get on with the job of delivering these critical infrastructure projects.”