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Strengthening Australia’s cities and regions The Australian Government’s 10 Year Investment in Infrastructure MAY 2018
Strengthening Australia’s cities and regions
The Australian Government’s 10 Year Investment in Infrastructure
MAY 2018
May 2018
Strengthening Australia’s cities and regions
The Australian Government’s 10 Year Investment in Infrastructure
ii
© Commonwealth of Australia 2018
May 2018/INFRA3467
ISBN: 978-1-925701-26-5
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1
Ministers’ Foreword .............................................................................2
Introduction ........................................................................................3
A National Infrastructure Pipeline..........................................................3
10 Year Infrastructure Investment Pipeline ............................................4
A more informed, active and early stage investor ...................................6
Key drivers for our $75 billion land transport investment ........................7
Map of Pipeline projects ......................................................................8
Priorities by State ..............................................................................11New South Wales .........................................................................12
Victoria ........................................................................................14
Queensland .................................................................................17
Western Australia .........................................................................20
South Australia .............................................................................22
Tasmania .....................................................................................24
Australian Capital Territory.............................................................26
Northern Territory .........................................................................28
National Initiatives ............................................................................29Roads of Strategic Importance ......................................................31
Urban Congestion Initiative ............................................................31
Major Project Business Case Fund ................................................31
Current major projects .......................................................................33
Contents
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Ministers’ ForewordThe Liberal and Nationals Government has demonstrated leadership in land transport infrastructure, evidenced by our record investment. This investment is driving the national economy and ensuring Australian industries remain globally competitive across all sectors, supporting jobs and economic growth in urban and regional areas.
In the 2018–19 Budget, the Government has committed over $75 billion towards new and upgraded transport infrastructure. This commitment builds on our existing record levels of investment, recognising that in order for the Australian economy to continue to grow and be competitive, infrastructure investment must remain a core focus for the Government.
The Pipeline of future infrastructure priorities has been called for by our communities, investors and the construction industry. Key projects include: the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, METRONET in Perth, the Coffs Harbour Bypass on the Pacific Highway and the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade in Queensland. We are also investing $3.5 billion through our new Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to support the regional freight industry and grow the visitor economy.
The Government will be actively engaged with State and Territory Governments and the private sector through the development of these projects to determine the optimal timing, delivery models and funding structures to achieve value for money.
This Pipeline signifies a shift from the Australian Government’s historic approach to investment in transport infrastructure, where the Government was regarded as simply a source of funding for State priorities as they arise. Through the Pipeline, the Australian Government is setting out a commitment to a long-term plan to progressively build projects which deliver nationally significant outcomes over the next decade: growing the national economy; shaping our major cities; and ensuring we support the increasing role of our regional centres in providing access to employment opportunities.
These new commitments build on the Government’s current major investments which are delivering transformational projects such as the Western Sydney Airport and Inland Rail. We are also funding major road projects across the nation, including upgrade programs on the Pacific Highway in New South Wales, the Bruce Highway in Queensland, the Monash Freeway in Melbourne, the North-South Corridor in Adelaide, the Midland Highway in Tasmania and in Northern Australia. Our current investment program also funds major rail initiatives such as METRONET in Perth and Regional Rail Revival in Victoria.
The Government is getting on with the job of delivering the major infrastructure priorities required to drive productivity, support population growth and sustain our strong economic position for the benefit of all Australians while creating local jobs.
The Hon Michael McCormack MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government
The Hon Paul Fletcher MP Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities
The Hon Keith Pitt MP Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister
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IntroductionDemand for high quality infrastructure will continue to increase over coming years. The domestic freight task and total kilometres travelled on our roads are forecast to grow by more than a quarter over the next decade.
Transport infrastructure connects people to jobs, their homes and their communities, and allows Australian businesses to connect to domestic and global export markets. The efficient movement of people and products grows our economy and improves the liveability of our cities and regions.
To harness these benefits, the Government has committed more than $75 billion over the next 10 years to new and upgraded transport infrastructure projects across Australia, building on our current investments to improve our road, freight rail and urban transit networks.
Our current investments are already delivering significant economic benefits to urban and regional areas across Australia. Analysis of more than 70 major projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment Program indicates that approximately 190 million passenger hours and 50 million freight and business hours were saved as a direct result of the Government’s investment in major infrastructure projects.
These investments have also reduced the number of crashes on our roads, with approximately 1,800 accidents estimated to have been avoided due to safer driving conditions through upgraded road surfaces, targeted lane widening, additional overtaking lanes, improved signage and upgrading of intersections to improve turning points on our major highways.
These projects are also collectively supporting more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and provide greater opportunities for Indigenous employment and participation.
A National Infrastructure PipelineIn the 2018–19 Budget, the Government has committed to a new 10 Year Infrastructure Investment Pipeline. The Pipeline is a list of nationally significant land transport priorities in our major cities and across regional Australia that will benefit every State and Territory.
The Pipeline will see substantial investment in urban road and rail initiatives, including under the National Rail Program, that will transform the way people commute across their cities for work and leisure. It will also deliver vital investments in key corridors across regional Australia—linking industry to export markets and people to vital services, including health and education.
The Pipeline recognises that major infrastructure projects take many years to plan, design and deliver. New projects will be added to the Pipeline over time as further priorities are identified through continuing analysis and engagement with State and Territory Governments and the private sector.
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10 Year Infrastructure Investment PipelineProgram/ initiative State/ Territory Project name
Australian Government contribution ($ million) 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27 2027–28
Initiatives National Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative 3,500.0
Northern Australia Package 1,500.0
Tasmanian Package 400.0
NSW to ACT Package 100.0
Bindoon Bypass 220.0
Unallocated 1,280.0
Urban Congestion Initiative 1,000.0
Major Project Business Case Fund 250.0
EastLink WA (Orange Route) 10.0
Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail 15.0
Unallocated 225.0
Infrastructure Investment Program projects
National Outback Way 160.0
New South Wales Pacific Highway – Coffs Harbour Bypass 971.0
Port Botany Rail Line Duplication, including Cabramatta Loop 400.0
Nowra Bridge 155.0
Victoria Melbourne Airport Rail Link 2,500.0
North East Link 1,750.0
Victorian Congestion Package 140.0
Geelong Rail Line 50.0
Princes Highway East 132.0
Queensland Bruce Highway – Next Priorities 3,300.0
Pine River to Caloundra (future stages) 880.0
Cooroy to Curra Section D 800.0
Safety Package 200.0
Future Priorities 1,420.0
M1 Pacific Motorway 1,000.0
Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill 500.0
Varsity Lakes to Tugun 500.0
Brisbane Metro 300.0
Cunningham Highway – Yamanto to Ebenezer (Amberley Interchange) 170.0
Western Australia Perth Congestion Package 943.5
Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension 252.5
Tonkin Highway Gap 145.0
Tonkin Highway Interchanges 183.0
Mitchell Freeway Extension - Hester Avenue to Romeo Road 107.5
Leach Highway (Welshpool Road Interchange) 46.5
Roe Highway (Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchange) 144.0
Stephenson Avenue Extension 65.0
Bunbury Outer Ring Road Stages 2 and 3 560.0
South Australia North-South Corridor 1,388.0
Regency Road to Pym Street 177.0
Future Priorities 1,211.0
Joy Baluch Bridge 160.0
Tasmania Bridgewater Bridge Replacement 461.0
Australian Capital Territory Monaro Highway Package 100.0
Northern Territory Central Arnhem Road Upgrade 180.0
Buntine Highway Upgrade 100.0
National Rail Program projects
New South Wales Western Sydney Airport Rail Business Case 50.0
Victoria Melbourne Airport Rail Link 2,500.0
Monash Rail 475.0
Frankston to Baxter Link (Electrification Upgrade) 225.0
Queensland Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade 390.0
Western Australia METRONET – further Stage 1 projects 1,052.1
Morley-Ellenbrook Line 500.0
Byford Extension 240.5
Midland Station Project 82.5
Lakelands Business Case 2.0
Further projects to be agreed 227.1
South Australia Gawler Rail Line Electrification 220.0
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Program/ initiative State/ Territory Project name
Australian Government contribution ($ million) 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27 2027–28
Initiatives National Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative 3,500.0
Northern Australia Package 1,500.0
Tasmanian Package 400.0
NSW to ACT Package 100.0
Bindoon Bypass 220.0
Unallocated 1,280.0
Urban Congestion Initiative 1,000.0
Major Project Business Case Fund 250.0
EastLink WA (Orange Route) 10.0
Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail 15.0
Unallocated 225.0
Infrastructure Investment Program projects
National Outback Way 160.0
New South Wales Pacific Highway – Coffs Harbour Bypass 971.0
Port Botany Rail Line Duplication, including Cabramatta Loop 400.0
Nowra Bridge 155.0
Victoria Melbourne Airport Rail Link 2,500.0
North East Link 1,750.0
Victorian Congestion Package 140.0
Geelong Rail Line 50.0
Princes Highway East 132.0
Queensland Bruce Highway – Next Priorities 3,300.0
Pine River to Caloundra (future stages) 880.0
Cooroy to Curra Section D 800.0
Safety Package 200.0
Future Priorities 1,420.0
M1 Pacific Motorway 1,000.0
Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill 500.0
Varsity Lakes to Tugun 500.0
Brisbane Metro 300.0
Cunningham Highway – Yamanto to Ebenezer (Amberley Interchange) 170.0
Western Australia Perth Congestion Package 943.5
Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension 252.5
Tonkin Highway Gap 145.0
Tonkin Highway Interchanges 183.0
Mitchell Freeway Extension - Hester Avenue to Romeo Road 107.5
Leach Highway (Welshpool Road Interchange) 46.5
Roe Highway (Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchange) 144.0
Stephenson Avenue Extension 65.0
Bunbury Outer Ring Road Stages 2 and 3 560.0
South Australia North-South Corridor 1,388.0
Regency Road to Pym Street 177.0
Future Priorities 1,211.0
Joy Baluch Bridge 160.0
Tasmania Bridgewater Bridge Replacement 461.0
Australian Capital Territory Monaro Highway Package 100.0
Northern Territory Central Arnhem Road Upgrade 180.0
Buntine Highway Upgrade 100.0
National Rail Program projects
New South Wales Western Sydney Airport Rail Business Case 50.0
Victoria Melbourne Airport Rail Link 2,500.0
Monash Rail 475.0
Frankston to Baxter Link (Electrification Upgrade) 225.0
Queensland Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade 390.0
Western Australia METRONET – further Stage 1 projects 1,052.1
Morley-Ellenbrook Line 500.0
Byford Extension 240.5
Midland Station Project 82.5
Lakelands Business Case 2.0
Further projects to be agreed 227.1
South Australia Gawler Rail Line Electrification 220.0
Current Investment New Investment
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A more informed, active and early stage investor The Pipeline has been developed by identifying critical transport network deficiencies that will constrain commuter and freight movements, across both urban and regional Australia. Practical solutions were identified: informed by the work of Infrastructure Australia—the Government’s independent expert infrastructure advisory body—and State and Territory Governments’ locally-focused infrastructure strategies.
In delivering the Pipeline, the Government will ensure that all jurisdictions pay their fair share of the costs. Acknowledging the national productivity benefits that can be derived through investment in key freight corridors, the Government will commit up to 80 per cent of the delivery cost of regional projects. The Australian Government will partner with State and Territory Governments on a 50:50 basis for the major initiatives in our cities. In some cases, the Government will be the sole contributor, such as where funding is for a freight rail initiative through the Australian Rail Track Corporation.
The Government is also committed to being an active investor in these key infrastructure initiatives, not simply allocating grant funding to State and Territory Governments. The Government will engage early to ensure national economic objectives are built into project design from the start and the full benefits of our investment are realised. The Government will also continue to drive greater use of new ways of funding and financing projects to deliver more value for taxpayers.
To support these objectives, the Government is committing to governance arrangements for our 10 Year Infrastructure Investment Pipeline that require:
• major projects to be subject to a robust business case assessment process before the Australian Government investment amount is finalised and funding starts to flow.
• investments to be predicated on State and Territory Governments providing their fair share of funding (nominally 50 per cent in urban areas; 20 per cent in regional areas).
• opportunities for private investment to be explored and value captured through the project used to defray the capital costs of the project on an equal basis.
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Key drivers for our $75 billion land transport investment
• Australia’s population is forecast to grow to around 29 million over the next decade, with much of this increase expected to occur in our major cities.
9 Our Pipeline investments, such as up to $943.5 million for a Perth Congestion Package and up to $971 million towards the Coffs Harbour Bypass, will help future-proof our urban transport networks and better connect our regions.
• Our cities remain the engine rooms of our economy—over 75 per cent of Australians live in our major cities, responsible for over 80 per cent of our economic activity—but our urban transport networks are increasingly congested.
9 As part of this Budget, the Australian Government has announced major investments in critical public transport projects, such as up to $5 billion towards the long‑awaited Melbourne Airport Rail Link and up to $1.05 billion towards the Perth METRONET, which will also kick-start a City Deal for Perth.
9 Our new $1 billion Urban Congestion Initiative will target congestion on our urban road networks.
• Domestic freight is forecast to grow 26 per cent by 2026—with much of this freight task generated by our agricultural and mining sectors in regional areas.
9 While our Urban Congestion Initiative will target urban constraints, our new $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative will fund upgrades to our key regional freight routes to improve access for higher productivity vehicles and to regional communities.
• Without these major new investments, construction activity would suffer a significant decline from the early 2020s as current projects are completed.
9 The Pipeline will provide certainty to the construction industry, facilitating the retention of a skilled workforce and enabling the creation of approximately 50,000 additional jobs over the next decade.
9 Planning for the next phase of construction will be supported through our new $250 million Major Project Business Case Fund.
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Map of Pipeline projects
Alignments are indicative only
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Priorities by StateThe Government has identified the following projects as suitable for Commonwealth investment over the coming decade. It is anticipated that these projects will deliver the greatest benefit to productivity, the economy and road safety, while leveraging off the significant investments that are already underway.
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New South WalesPacific Highway Coffs Harbour BypassThe 2018–19 Budget commitment of up to $971 million towards a bypass of Coffs Harbour builds on the $5.6 billion currently invested by the Australian Government to duplicate and improve the Pacific Highway. Approximately 15,000 vehicles a day currently travel through the Coffs Harbour CBD along a route that includes 12 sets of traffic lights. The bypass will reduce travel times and improve travel conditions for all road users by allowing heavy vehicles to bypass the CBD, and will alleviate congestion on the local road network. It will also improve safety and amenity for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists using the existing highway through Coffs Harbour.
Port Botany Rail Line Duplication, including Cabramatta LoopThe Commonwealth will fully fund the duplication of the remaining single-track section of the Port Botany Rail Line between Mascot and Botany, and the construction of a passing loop at Cabramatta. This will encourage a shift in freight share from road to rail, reducing truck movements and congestion around Sydney
Airport and Port Botany. The contribution towards these works will be $400 million.
The project will deliver wide benefits, including increased effectiveness and capacity of the Metropolitan Freight Network that supports the logistics and supply chain activities of intermodal terminals, both existing and under construction at Moorebank.
Nowra BridgeThe Princes Highway serves as the main transport corridor providing freight and passenger movements to and from the Illawarra and South Coast regions. The existing Princes Highway crossing of the Shoalhaven River limits the efficient movement of freight and other vehicles. The southbound bridge is over 137 years old, has vehicle height and weight restrictions, and has substantial maintenance costs and risks. The Government has committed up to $155 million towards constructing a new bridge to improve safety, capacity and efficiency across the Shoalhaven River at Nowra.
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Western Sydney Airport Rail The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have jointly committed to the first stage of the North South Rail Link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via Western Sydney Airport as part of the Western Sydney City Deal. The two governments have a joint objective of having rail connected to the Western Sydney Airport in time for the opening of the airport and have agreed that they will construct the North South Rail Link as equal partners, each contributing 50 per cent of the funding.
Through the 2018–19 Budget, the Government has initially committed $50 million towards a $100 million business case to support joint planning for the first stage of the rail link. The business case will investigate options for a full North South Rail Link from Schofields to Macarthur, and a South West Rail Link from Leppington to the airport via an interchanges at Badgerys Creek. A market sounding process will also test private sector interest in station developments and explore innovative financing solutions.
New South Wales Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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VictoriaMelbourne Airport Rail LinkThe Melbourne Airport is Australia’s second busiest, handling 34 million passengers in 2016. Melbourne Airport is expecting passenger numbers to rise to 60 million by 2030. An Australian Government investment of up to $5 billion towards a rail link between Melbourne’s CBD and the Melbourne Airport will address growing passenger demand, helping to alleviate congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway. The Australian Government has already invested $30 million towards developing a business case to investigate alignment options.
North East LinkThe North East Link will provide the “missing link” in Melbourne’s outer metropolitan road network. The 2018–19 Budget commitment of up to $1.75 billion towards the construction of the North East Link is designed to give Melbourne a complete orbital road connection for the first time. Construction of the North East Link will address congestion issues and provide a more efficient route for freight movements.
Monash Rail The Monash precinct has been identified as Melbourne’s most established middle to outer suburban employment centre and the suburbs surrounding the Monash Freeway and Monash University are some of the fastest growing in Melbourne. The Australian Government has committed up to $475 million to improve public transport access in and to the Monash precinct through a heavy or light rail connection. The project will support productivity gains, enabling the movement of people to and from the CBD with greater efficiency.
Frankston to Baxter Link (Electrification Upgrade)The Stony Point Rail Line is a 31 kilometre single-track non-electrified rail line that connects Frankston to Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula. At present, metropolitan electric trains operate between Melbourne and Frankston on electrified double track. However, diesel trains
operate less frequently between Frankston and Stony Point. The 2018–19 Budget commitment of up to $225 million will duplicate and electrify 8 kilometres of the Stony Point Rail Line from Frankston to Baxter.
Victorian Congestion PackageBetween 2011 and 2031, Melbourne’s population is projected to increase by 42.6 per cent to 6.0 million and have a labour force of 3.1 million, equal to Sydney’s projected labour force in 2031. Melbourne’s population is expected to surpass Sydney’s, and is largely forecast to grow in Melbourne’s CBD, as well as in the outer suburbs in the north, west and south-east. Population growth is already placing pressure on roads as more people commute to and from the CBD to access jobs.
Up to $140 million will be provided through the 2018–19 Budget to deliver a package of targeted upgrades on arterial roads across Melbourne to address congestion. This is in addition to our existing commitment of $155 million, including interest earned on East West Link and unutilised planning money, and takes the total Victorian Congestion Package to $295 million.
New investment in regional rail – Geelong Rail LineCurrently many Victorian regional rail lines require upgrades to the track, station and signalling infrastructure to enable more efficient and reliable passenger services. The Australian Government has already committed $1.55 billion towards the $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival package in Victoria, to upgrade the Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool, Gippsland, Bendigo/Echuca and the North East Rail Lines.
The 2018–19 Budget commitment of up to $50 million will plan and deliver further upgrades on the Geelong Rail Line to improve the reliability and efficiency of passenger rail services.
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Princes Highway EastThe Princes Highway East is the primary connection between Gippsland and Melbourne, and is an important transport corridor between Melbourne and the south east coast of New South Wales. It is also the main freight route from Victoria’s south-east for products destined for export via the Ports of Melbourne, Hastings and Geelong. While much of the highway between Traralgon and Sale is being progressively duplicated, the Flynn and Kilmany sections remain unduplicated. Limited overtaking opportunities, varying road standards and high
volumes of traffic lead to driver frustration and risk-taking that contributes to a high crash rate.
The Australian Government commitment of up to $132 million will complete the duplication of the Princes Highway East between Traralgon and Sale by addressing the remaining two sections of the highway, totalling approximately 12.1 kilometres.
Victorian Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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QueenslandBruce Highway – next prioritiesThe Australian Government has already committed $6.7 billion towards improving the Bruce Highway from 2013–14. Our 2018–19 Budget commitment adds an additional $3.3 billion over the next ten years to bring our total investment up to $10 billion. This further investment will address areas that are expected to experience severe congestion, safety and flooding issues, particularly north of Brisbane and other major populated areas. Specific works may include additional safety and critical asset renewal, targeted capacity upgrades, and bridge and culvert upgrades. The following commitments have been made to specific parts of the corridor:
• Up to $880 million for Pine River to Caloundra – including approximately $120 million for the Dohles Rocks Road Intersection
• Up to $800 million for Cooroy to Curra Section D
• Up to $200 million for a Safety Package
• Up to $1.42 billion for Future Priorities
M1 Pacific Motorway – Eight Mile Plains to Daisy HillThe M1 Pacific Motorway is one of the most important and heavily congested routes in Queensland. In addition to congestion at peak periods, the Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill section of the motorway has a variety of safety and capacity issues, which affect its ability to cater for current and future traffic demands. Through the 2018–19 Budget, $500 million has been committed to addressing these constraints.
M1 Pacific Motorway – Varsity Lakes to TugunThe M1 Pacific Motorway – Varsity Lakes to Tugun project is a priority for the southern end of the corridor. Potential upgrade options include increasing the capacity in both directions, pavement reconstruction work, and better active transport connectivity between centres. The Australian Government has committed $500 million to deliver these works.
Beerburrum to Nambour Rail UpgradeThe North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Nambour is currently a single-track line servicing both passenger and freight transport, and conflict between the two is constraining growth. Freight paths are expected to reach capacity by 2023, causing additional freight in the corridor to switch to road, increasing the strain on road infrastructure. The Australian Government has committed $390 million to upgrade the rail line.
Brisbane MetroBrisbane’s bus network has reached capacity at many inner-city locations, resulting in increased commute times and constrained accessibility to jobs and services. Further congestion on the public transport system is forecast into the future, which could risk users reverting to private car usage. Up to $300 million has been committed towards the Brisbane Metro project to improve access to the Brisbane CBD.
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Cunningham Highway – Yamanto to Ebenezer (Amberley Interchange)The Cunningham Highway has the third highest crash risk out of major Queensland routes, behind the Bruce and Warrego Highways. The Australian Government commitment of up to $170 million will upgrade the Yamanto and Amberley intersections with the Cunningham Highway, and build a new two-lane deviation off the highway connecting with the northern end of Amberley Road. There will also be a range of safety works undertaken along the route that could include safety barriers, channelised right turn intersection upgrades, wide centreline treatment to separate opposing traffic, and overtaking lanes.
Outback Way The Outback Way is a 2,800 kilometre route that links Laverton in Western Australia with Winton in Queensland via Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Improvements to the Outback Way benefit the inter-jurisdictional transport network by increasing connectivity and reducing travel times, cutting costs for freight operators and enhancing economic opportunities for the cattle, mining and tourism industries.
The Government has previously committed $170 million to the Outback Way through the Infrastructure Investment Program and Northern Australia Roads Program. The Government has identified further high priority sections of this road for upgrades using current funding, and as such, an additional commitment of up to $160 million will be provided across Queensland, Western Australian and the Northern Territory to deliver safety and productivity improvements, such as road widening and sealing. This brings the Government’s total commitment to the Outback Way to $330 million.
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Queensland Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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Western AustraliaMETRONETPerth’s road and rail network suffers from congestion and overcrowding due to population growth, and is expected to reach capacity by 2031.
Alongside the Government’s current commitment of $1.28 billion to the Perth to Forrestfield Airport Line, Yanchep Rail Extension and the Thornlie Cockburn Link, an investment of up to $1.05 billion towards further METRONET Stage 1 works through the 2018–19 Budget brings this commitment to $2.33 billion. These additional works will accommodate the expected pressures on the metropolitan region, particularly around future growth areas. Further components of METRONET Stage 1 include up to:
• $500.0 million for Morley-Ellenbrook Line
• $240.5 million for Byford Extension
• $82.5 million for Midland Station Project
• $2.0 million for Lakelands business case
• $227.1 million for further projects yet to be agreed.
The Government’s investment in METRONET (and other transformational infrastructure) will underpin a new Perth City Deal and a shared long term vision for the future growth of Perth.
Perth Congestion Package Increased population in Perth has underpinned growth in demand and congestion on the transport network. This growth has also increased the volume of containerised freight, which is expected to continue in the future, placing further pressure on transport infrastructure in the area. Up to $943.5 million for a new Perth Congestion Package will ease pressure on the urban transport network and significantly improve safety levels on key urban freight and commuter networks. The Package includes up to:
• $252.5 million for Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension
• $145.0 million for Tonkin Highway Gap
• $183.0 million for Tonkin Highway interchanges
• $107.5 million for Mitchell Freeway Extension – Hester Avenue to Romeo Road
• $46.5 million for Leach Highway (Welshpool Road interchange)
• $144.0 million for Roe Highway (Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Abernethy Road interchanges)
• $65.0 million for Stephenson Avenue Extension.
Bunbury Outer Ring Road – Stages 2 and 3Due to a mix of through traffic, heavy vehicles and high volumes of local traffic on the Forrest Highway, Robertson Drive and Bussell Highway, the road corridor is experiencing congestion and safety issues, resulting in associated transport ineffiencies and cost. An Australian Government commitment of up to $560 million will complete the remaining two stages from the South Western Highway to the Bussell Highway and from the Perth-Bunbury Highway to near Picton Boyanup Road.
Outback Way Through the 2018–19 Budget, an additional commitment of up to $160 million will be provided across Queensland, Western Australian and the Northern Territory to deliver safety and productivity improvements, such as road widening and sealing.
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Western Australian Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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South AustraliaNorth-South Corridor – Future PrioritiesNorth-South Corridor is the major motorway stretch running through Adelaide, providing access to the CBD and freight and employment hubs. The Corridor experiences severe congestion with major delays in both directions. The 2018–19 Budget commitment of up to $1.39 billion to deliver future priorities on the North-South Corridor builds on the existing $1.6 billion Australian Government commitment towards upgrading the North South Corridor. This will bring the Australian Government investment in the Corridor to $2.9 billion.
The package will include up to $177 million for the Regency Road to Pym Street upgrade, which will complete a 47 kilometre non-stop section of the North-South Corridor between Gawler and the River Torrens. A continuous motorway on this section of the Corridor will decrease travel times for road users, increase productivity for freight vehicles, and improve safety.
Gawler Rail Line ElectrificationPassenger numbers on the Gawler Rail Line have grown 30 per cent in the last decade to become the busiest passenger rail corridor in Adelaide. Current services are reaching capacity and will be unable to support future demand expected to result from planned future residential development adjacent to the line. The inability to operate electric railcars on the Gawler Rail Line results in underutilisation of the fleet, creates operational inefficiencies due to reduced flexibility, and restricts capacity. A commitment of up to $220 million will continue the electrification of the Gawler Rail Line in Northern Adelaide from Salisbury to Gawler, building on the commitment from South Australia to electrify the line from Adelaide to Salisbury.
Joy Baluch BridgeJoy Baluch Bridge is an important freight and passenger link to access the Upper Spence Gulf in Port Augusta. However, the current bridge limits freight vehicle movements and causes safety issues for road users and pedestrians. Up to $160 million will be provided to duplicate the existing two-lane bridge in Port Augusta and provide safer pedestrian access.
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South Australian Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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TasmaniaBridgewater BridgeBridgewater Bridge is the gateway into Hobart, providing vital access over the Derwent River on the Midland Highway. The existing bridge has operational issues and is close to capacity, which is impacting on the Midland Highway network leading into Hobart.
The Australian Government’s commitment of up to $461 million will contribute towards construction of a new four lane bridge to cross the Derwent River, including a shared pedestrian and cycle path. This will reduce travel times, improve traffic flow into Hobart from the Midland Highway and reduce freight and travel costs. The new bridge will also support freight and passengers travelling from northern Tasmania’s agricultural and industrial regions.
Tasmanian Roads Package – including Bass Highway upgrades The Bass Highway is Tasmania’s busiest freight route, and is key for Tasmania’s growth and prosperity. The Highway connects Tasmania’s two highest volume ports at Burnie and Devonport, as well as major agricultural and industrial areas. Tourism is also growing along the Bass Highway corridor, with visitors drawn to Tasmania’s northern coastline.
While the Australian Government is already contributing to a number of small, targeted improvements on the Bass Highway, this stretch of road still faces significant challenges. The Australian Government has committed up to $400 million through the new Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative to deliver a package of targeted works to improve the safety and efficiency of this important corridor, including the upgrade of key intersections, widening works and the provision of overtaking lanes.
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Tasmanian Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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Australian Capital TerritoryMonaro Highway Package The Australian Capital Territory’s continued population and employment growth is placing increasing pressure on its existing transport networks. The Monaro Highway, as part of the Australian Capital Territory’s north-south transport corridor, is expected to experience greater congestion as this growth continues. In addition, interstate road users, including heavy freight vehicles, frequently use this corridor to reach their intended destination either within, or beyond, the Australian Capital Territory. The expansion of road-focused distribution centres in south-west Sydney and Goulburn will continue to increase this type of road usage.
To address this pressure, the Australian Government has committed up to $100 million to a Monaro Highway Package in the 2018–19 Budget.
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Australian Capital Territory Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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Northern TerritoryCentral Arnhem Road UpgradeThe Central Arnhem Road is a 710 kilometre road connecting Katherine via the Stuart Highway to Nhulunbuy. The route links Nhulunbuy to the National Land Transport Network, services a large number of Indigenous communities and is a key tourist and freight route for mining and pastoral industries.
The majority of the communities serviced by the Central Arnhem Road are cut off during the wet season, limiting access to essential services and reducing productivity for freight operators.
Through the 2018–19 Budget the Australian Government has committed up to $180 million towards progressively upgrading the road to a two-lane standard seal to provide better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities all year round, in addition to better supporting freight operators.
Buntine Highway Upgrade The Buntine Highway is a 558 kilometre rural arterial road that runs from the Victoria Highway via Top Springs to the Western Australian border. The Buntine Highway plays an important role in
connecting cattle freight operators to the National Land Transport Network in both the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Many sections of the Buntine Highway suffer from corrugation and potholes, and can be susceptible to flooding and wash-outs, limiting mobility and access to the pastoral interests that are located along the road.
Up to $100 million will be provided to progressively upgrade the road to a two-lane standard seal to strengthen links to markets and reduce freight costs for the several large cattle properties that the Buntine Highway supports.
Outback Way The Australian Government has made an additional commitment of $160 million to be provided across Queensland, Western Australian and the Northern Territory to deliver safety and productivity improvements, such as road widening and sealing.
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Northern Territory Infrastructure Pipeline Priorities Map
Alignments are indicative only
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National InitiativesRoads of Strategic Importance The Australian Government will invest $3.5 billion over the next decade through the new Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, ensuring our key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
ROSI will deliver works such as road sealing, flood immunity, strengthening and widening, pavement rehabilitation, bridge and culvert upgrades and road realignments—opening up corridors to provide a more reliable road network, improve access for higher capacity vehicles, better connect regional communities, and facilitate tourism opportunities. Improved access provided through ROSI will deliver substantial social and economic benefits, including opportunities for greater regional employment and business growth.
ROSI reserves $1.5 billion for projects in Northern Australia, acknowledging the importance of this region and recognising benefits delivered through the Australian Government’s Northern Australia Roads Program and Northern Australia Beef Roads Program.
Tasmania will receive $400 million for roads such as the Bass Highway, $100 million has been committed to improve access from regional New South Wales to the Australian Capital Territory via the Barton Highway, and Western Australia will receive $220 million for the Bindoon Bypass.
Urban Congestion InitiativeIn the 2018–19 Budget we are continuing our ongoing commitment to alleviate congestion not only through our investments in major urban projects on the Pipeline but also through our targeted $1 billion Urban Congestion Initiative.
Congestion cost the national economy more than $16 billion in 2015. This will worsen as our urban populations grow, and freight demand increases. In the 10 years from 2018-19, the Government will invest in projects that target congestion, including to remediate pinch points, improve traffic safety and increase network efficiency for commuter and freight movements in urban areas.
Major Project Business Case Fund While it is important that our investment Pipeline establishes our plan for Commonwealth-funded priorities over the next 10 years, it is also essential that there is support to plan for the next phase of Government investment. Planning and business case development is a critical period in project delivery, often commencing many years before construction can start—especially when community consultation and complex engineering are required.
The Government has therefore allocated $250 million towards a fund to support the development of major project business cases. This allows the Government to continue to meet its commitment to being an informed investor and engage early on the next phase major priority projects that will be required to keep the country moving.
The commitment also provides certainty that there is funding capacity to support this critical planning work, as new priorities are identified, ensuring early engagement by the Commonwealth to determine whether or not projects will deliver value for money and help address nationally significant deficits in the transport system.
Early commitments under this Fund include $10 million to plan Eastlink WA (Orange Route) in Western Australia, and $15 million for a Toowoomba to Brisbane passenger rail connection.
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Current major projects
State/ Territory Project name
Australian Government contribution:
total
Australian Government contribution:
2018–19 onwards 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24
Northern Australia Northern Australia Roads Program 600.0 443.4Northern Australia Beef Roads Program 100.0 60.9Outback Way ($100m commitment) 100.0 85.0
New South Wales M1 Productivity Package 195.8 72.9NorthConnex 412.3 7.0Pacific Highway – Woolgoolga to Ballina 3,466.1 1,113.5WestConnex* 3,500.0 0.0
Western Sydney Airport** 5,300.0 ***
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – M12 Motorway
997.0 967.9
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – Bringelly Road Upgrade
407.0 124.8
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – The Northern Road Upgrade
1,233.5 751.4
Victoria Princes Highway East – Traralgon to Sale Duplication
210.0 17.0
Monash Freeway Upgrade 500.0 0.0M80 Ring Road 500.0 116.1Western Highway – Ballarat to Stawell Duplication
499.4 109.1
Regional Rail Revival 1,535.0 1,501.6Queensland Bruce Highway — Caloundra Road to
Sunshine Motorway650.4 466.4
Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 397.9 250.9Haughton River and Pink Lily Lagoon Upgrade 412.0 372.0Cape York Region Package 208.4 3.0Gateway Upgrade North 914.2 279.2M1 Pacific Motorway – Gateway Motorway Merge
115.0 21.8
Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access – Stage 3 – Edmonton to Gordonvale
384.8 384.8
M1 Pacific Motorway – Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes
110.0 70.0
Peak Downs Highway Safety Works 166.2 30.3Toowoomba Second Range Crossing 1,137.0 54.4Warrego Highway – Toowoomba to Miles 508.0 253.4
Western Australia METRONET 1,282.0 772.0Muchea to Wubin 275.8 107.2NorthLink WA 820.8 263.1Armadale Road – Anstey Road to Tapper Road 116.0 96.0Armadale Road Bridge 189.6 184.6
South Australia Goodwood and Torrens Junction 189.4 14.4North South Corridor – Darlington Interchange 496.0 95.3North South Corridor – Torrens Road to River Torrens
400.5 35.7
North South Corridor – Northern Connector 708.0 244.2Oakland’s Crossing Grade Separation 95.0 82.8
Tasmania Midland Highway 400.0 208.1Freight Rail Revitalisation Tranches 1 and 2 119.6 73.0
Northern Territory Northern Territory Roads Package 77.0 11.4
* includes concessional loan ** equity *** commercial-in-confidence
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Current major projects
State/ Territory Project name
Australian Government contribution:
total
Australian Government contribution:
2018–19 onwards 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24
Northern Australia Northern Australia Roads Program 600.0 443.4Northern Australia Beef Roads Program 100.0 60.9Outback Way ($100m commitment) 100.0 85.0
New South Wales M1 Productivity Package 195.8 72.9NorthConnex 412.3 7.0Pacific Highway – Woolgoolga to Ballina 3,466.1 1,113.5WestConnex* 3,500.0 0.0
Western Sydney Airport** 5,300.0 ***
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – M12 Motorway
997.0 967.9
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – Bringelly Road Upgrade
407.0 124.8
Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – The Northern Road Upgrade
1,233.5 751.4
Victoria Princes Highway East – Traralgon to Sale Duplication
210.0 17.0
Monash Freeway Upgrade 500.0 0.0M80 Ring Road 500.0 116.1Western Highway – Ballarat to Stawell Duplication
499.4 109.1
Regional Rail Revival 1,535.0 1,501.6Queensland Bruce Highway — Caloundra Road to
Sunshine Motorway650.4 466.4
Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 397.9 250.9Haughton River and Pink Lily Lagoon Upgrade 412.0 372.0Cape York Region Package 208.4 3.0Gateway Upgrade North 914.2 279.2M1 Pacific Motorway – Gateway Motorway Merge
115.0 21.8
Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access – Stage 3 – Edmonton to Gordonvale
384.8 384.8
M1 Pacific Motorway – Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes
110.0 70.0
Peak Downs Highway Safety Works 166.2 30.3Toowoomba Second Range Crossing 1,137.0 54.4Warrego Highway – Toowoomba to Miles 508.0 253.4
Western Australia METRONET 1,282.0 772.0Muchea to Wubin 275.8 107.2NorthLink WA 820.8 263.1Armadale Road – Anstey Road to Tapper Road 116.0 96.0Armadale Road Bridge 189.6 184.6
South Australia Goodwood and Torrens Junction 189.4 14.4North South Corridor – Darlington Interchange 496.0 95.3North South Corridor – Torrens Road to River Torrens
400.5 35.7
North South Corridor – Northern Connector 708.0 244.2Oakland’s Crossing Grade Separation 95.0 82.8
Tasmania Midland Highway 400.0 208.1Freight Rail Revitalisation Tranches 1 and 2 119.6 73.0
Northern Territory Northern Territory Roads Package 77.0 11.4
