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$7.5 billion for construction in Federal Budget

A new $7.5 billion investment in national transport infrastructure will boost the construction industry and create thousands of jobs, as part of the Federal Budget and COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

The funding delivered in the Federal Budget builds on a series of infrastructure investments from the Commonwealth in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic which now total more than $11.3 billion.

Further details on measures in the Federal Budget that will assist the construction industry specifically are expected.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the Federal Budget will deliver funding for infrastructure which supports the Government’s JobMaker plan and helps the nation recover from COVID-19.

“We have been working closely with state and territory governments to invest in the infrastructure that is ready to go and can help rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” he says.

“These projects will keep commuters safe on the road, get people home to their loved ones sooner and provide better transport links for urban and regional communities.

“As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan we have invested an additional $11.3 billion focused on shovel-ready projects across the country.

“This investment will boost the national economy and is part of our plan to support an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the nation.”

Among the projects that will receive funds in the budget is the first stage of the Coomera Connector project in Queensland, stretching from Coomera to Nerang, as well as a series of upgrades to the Bruce Highway – totally $1.12 billion.

Civil Contractors’ Federation of Queensland chief executive Damian Long says the budget announcements are a move in the right direction for the civil construction industry. 

“It has also recognised the importance of ‘shovel ready’ projects by warning local governments they must ‘use it or lose it’ to ascertain the commonwealth funding,” he says.

“This should ensure procurement moves much quicker and projects are ready to launch in the short-term… It is important that there is a long term strategy that ensures there is not a reduction in funding in the future.”

Long adds that the CCF Qld is grateful for the government’s reaction.

“The commitment to infrastructure investment by the federal government is welcomed by industry,” he says.

“We are keen to see how a future Queensland Government will be able to build on the federal government’s commitment.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack says the Government is focused on delivering priorities and boosting local jobs as part of Australia’s road to recovery.

“We will draw on local businesses to stimulate local economies through these projects,” he says.

“Infrastructure means jobs, it means livelihoods, it means stronger local communities and it means building a better and more secure future for our nation.”

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge says the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to map the economic road back from the pandemic, building the economy and providing certainty for business over the long term.

“These new investments lock in billions across our infrastructure pipeline over 10 years,” he says.

“We will continue to invest in the key priority projects which help drive the economy and create jobs across our states and territories.”

 

Key investments

  • $560 million for the Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway in New South Wales;
  • $528 million for the Shepparton and Warrnambool Rail Line Upgrades in Victoria;
  • $750 million for Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector (Coomera to Nerang) in Queensland;
  • $88 million for the Reid Highway Interchange with West Swan Road in Western Australia;
  • $200 million for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade in South Australia;
  • $150 million for the Midway Point Causeway (including McGees Bridge) and Sorell Causeway as part of the Hobart to Sorell Roads of Strategic Importance corridor in Tasmania;
  • $120 million to upgrade the Carpentaria Highway in the Northern Territory; and
  • $88 million for the Molonglo River Bridge in the ACT.
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