The Federal Budget will see $17.9 billion go towards infrastructure projects, with the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal and SA’s North South Corridor set to take the lion’s share.
The funding package was announced ahead of the 2022-23 Federal Budget, which will be delivered tonight.
An additional $3.1 billion in new commitments will help to deliver the $3.6 billion Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package, which includes:
- $1.2 billion for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in Beveridge, taking the total investment to $1.62 billion;
- $280 million for Road Connections, including Camerons Lane Interchange, to the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal;
- $740 million for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina; and
- $920 million for the Outer Metropolitan Ring – South Rail connection to the Western Interstate Freight Terminal.
SA’s North South Corridor from Torrens to Darlington will receive $2.264 billion, to complete the final 10.5 kilometre stretch.
Described as the “most significant road infrastructure project ever undertaken in South Australia”, this section of the North South Corridor will include a combination of tunnels, lowered and ground-level motorways, as well as overpasses and underpasses at key intersections.
Other key road projects set to receive funding include:
- $678 million for Outback Way (NT, WA, QLD)
- $336 million for the Pacific Highway – Wyong Town Centre (NSW)
- $336 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Northern Roads Package – Stage 2 (TAS)
- $200 million for the Marion Road – Anzac Highway to Cross Road (SA)
- $145 million for the Thomas Road – Dual Carriageway – South Western Highway to Tonkin Highway and interchange at Tonkin Highway (WA)
- $140 million for Regional Road Safety upgrades (WA)
- $132 million for Central Australian Tourism Roads (NT)
- $120 million for the Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package (SA)
- $46.7 million towards the Athllon Drive Duplication (ACT)
- $352 million for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass (NSW)
- $320 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stages 2 and 3) (WA)
- $200 million for the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension (WA)
- $45 million for the Ballarat to Ouyen – Future Priorities (VIC)
- $68.5 million for the Cooktown to Weipa Corridor Upgrade bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $258.5 million (QLD)
“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.
“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Australia over the construction life of these projects.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce added, “We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible.
“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of the economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.
“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia,” Frydenberg said.
“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as Covid-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”