Transport infrastructure is a central pillar of the COVID-19 recovery outlined in the 2020-21 Federal Budget, released by the government on October 6.
The projects to receive a share of $7.5 billion in transport infrastructure funding include:
- an additional $490.6 million for the Coffs Harbour Bypass in New South Wales;
- $528 million for upgrades to the Shepparton and Warrnambool rail lines in Victoria;
- $750 million for Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector in Queensland;
- an additional $80.0 million for the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network in Western Australia;
- $136 million to progress the Main South Road Duplication in South Australia;
- $65 million for the Tasman Bridge Upgrade in Tasmania;
- $46.6 million for National Network Highway Upgrades in the Northern Territory; and
- $87.5 million for the Molonglo River Bridge in the Australian Capital Territory.
Road safety emerged as another priority of the 2020-21 Federal Budget, with $2 billion allocated over 18 months to the new Road Safety Program, which aims to complete improvements to 3,000 kilometres of roads across the country.
The government has committed an additional $2 billion to new water infrastructure projects, which includes extra funding to Wyangala and Dungowan dams and the establishment of the National Water Grid Authority.
The Budget also directs an extra $1 billion to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, administered by local councils.