IN THE NEWS

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AROUND THE COUNTRY IN THE NEWS HERE IS A WRAP UP OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY AND THE PROJECTS THAT ARE BEING BROUGHT FORWARD:

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY In the ACT, works have started on a number of projects as part of the COVID-19 economic survival package. These projects include close to $9.75 million in works for upgrades to footpaths and cycleway networks, new pedestrian crossings, repainting of bus shelters and open space landscaping improvements.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

As part of the second phase package in response to COVID-19, the Northern Territory Government is delivering a $65 million Jobs Rescue and Recovery Plan, which will include infrastructure fast tracking.

NEW SOUTH WALES

NSW recently announced it is accelerating the assessment of 24 key projects, through the new Planning System Acceleration Program with a view to create almost 9,500 new jobs and inject a further $7.5 billion into the state economy. The Transport Minister has also flagged a second wave of mega transport projects adding to the list of current projects already underway or fast tracked. In Sydney, construction works have begun on the upgrade to Central Station – the first upgrade the station has had in decades.

QUEENSLAND

The Federal and Queensland Governments have agreed to bring forward 22 construction and upgrade works in their Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative pipeline valued at $185 million. A $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) has been finalised, which will support regional resource communities.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA South Australia will see more than $120 million in new infrastructure projects, with $52 million going towards targeted regional road network repair, $35 million to rehabilitate and resurface of the South Eastern Freeway and $15 million for Heysen Tunnel refits and safety upgrades. South Australia has also seen the bringing forward of applications for the Regional Growth Fund and has introduced its first independent 20-year infrastructure strategy.

TASMANIA

The Treasury is conducting a review of the State’s $3.7 billion infrastructure program to identify projects that can be brought forward with a focus on affordable houses, maintenance on schools and government buildings, regional roads, bridges and dams.

VICTORIA

Victoria has established the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce with a remit to “provide real-time advice to Government on issues impacting the industry, helping to remove barriers to building and development works, vital for supporting Victorian jobs, housing and infrastructure.” Premier Daniel Andrews announced a $2.7 billion construction program, that includes upgrades to schools, public housing and transport. The projects were targeted because they can commence quickly and stimulate the economy.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Western Australia is streamlining its construction contract approval processes in order to expedite $140 million of road and maritime projects and is in the process of finalising more major road projects as part of a $2.37 billion program. Mineral fertiliser company Agrimin Limited has also been granted Major Project Status for its Mackay Potash Project.

AIPM SUPPORTS THE BRINGING FORWARD OF SHOVEL READY PROJECTS

The AIPM is advocating on behalf of our members to encourage governments to call on specialist project managers that have qualifications and experience behind them. Our goal is to assist in making sure governments and other organisations can deliver these projects to a high standard and on budget. Read our press release here