Australia’s peak body for public works engineering has congratulated the Federal Government on its Budget, applauding the extensive funding of major capital infrastructure projects and the move to end the freeze on local government Financial Assistance Grants.

IPWEA CEO Robert Fuller says the continuation of the freeze would have meant ongoing pain for local governments and their communities. 

The indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants programme was frozen in the 2014-15 budget, a move that, if extended until 30 June 2018, would have stripped nearly a billion dollars from local governments.

“A continued freeze on indexation of the grants would have meant councils such as Newcastle would have lost around $2.8m of funding by 2018,” Mr Fuller said.

“Putting an end to the freeze means local governments – particularly those in rural and remote areas – will be far better equipped to provide community services, infrastructure and maintenance on assets.”

Mr Fuller also welcomed the $75 billion announced for infrastructure spending and investment during the next 10 years.

"The $8.4 billion in funding for the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail link will act as a catalyst for growth, revitalising the regional communities along the route,” he said.

And, Mr Fuller commended the Government's commitment to building Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek by 2026.

"The airport and allied infrastructure that will be built to support it will create 20,000 jobs during construction, and the regional community will benefit from the improved associated infrastructure and amenities.”  

Mr Fuller also welcomed the increased injection of funds into Black Spot projects and the Bridges Renewal programme.

However, he voiced his disappointment about the funding cuts to the Roads to Recovery programme, which scored $815.1m in the 2016-17 budget and just $699.6m in today’s budget.

“Overall, this budget is targeted at reinstating economic confidence for both business and families with a strong commitment to long-term 'good debt' major investments projects that Australia has needed for some time,” he added.