A major focus of the 15-year plan is improving the quality and competiveness of the water sector, with the first goal being major upgrade to Darwin’s metropolitan water supply.
If implemented, the strategy will see greater innovation and increased competition across the water, telecommunications, energy and transport sectors.
Infrastructure Australia Chairman Mark Birrell said “By completing the major reforms to infrastructure markets the average Australian household will be almost $3,000 better off every year.”
He added “Some of the ideas will be tough to progress, but let that all be part of an open public dialogue about the infrastructure people want, the outcomes it should deliver and the best ways to plan and pay for it.”
The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has come out in support of the plan, recognising the important of maintaining and upgrading urban water infrastructure to meet the demands of population growth.
Mr Adam Lovell, WSAA’s Executive Director, said “The plan recognises that urban water is essential to Australia’s economic prosperity and critical to the productivity and liveability of our cities and regions.
“WSAA agrees that reforms across the water sector should build on the core principals and strong foundations of the National Water Initiative.”
As well as Darwin, the National Infrastructure Plan also includes improvement strategies for Tasmanian sewerage infrastructure and flood management programs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
To view the full report visit the Infrastructure Australia website.