Speaking on the Federal Budget, Mr Cox said “Australia is at a crossroads, with enormous demand across the nation to improve the connectivity of people, places and freight to stimulate growth and job creation.
“Aurecon welcomes the Federal Government’s $5 billion investment in transport infrastructure in this year’s budget.
“This funding will ensure that metro rail projects that are essential to the liveability of our cities in Sydney and Melbourne will now be able to be progressed.”
Two rail projects that will benefit from the funding are the Sydney Metro Northwest and City & Southwest expansion, and the Melbourne Metro Rail Project.
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While the Federal Budget will benefit Australian rail projects, Mr Cox highlighted the need for more innovation in infrastructure funding across other sectors.
Mr Cox added “There also needs to be more innovation in how we fund infrastructure. This should include a bi-partisan approach to infrastructure planning and investment which spans all levels of government, with the input and support of the private sector.”
Mr Cox said that future funding should be focused on:
- Improving commuter rail services in Brisbane, where the network is at capacity and a cross river rail link is needed
- Constructing an inland freight line between Brisbane and Melbourne
- Completing a freight link to Fremantle Port, which will lessen the constraints on the freight network and improve the potential future saleability of the facility
For further information visit the Aurecon Group website.