Roads, rail and ports
The Government is committed to building world‑class infrastructure that enhances the liveability and productivity of our cities. It is investing $4.6 billion to improve metropolitan rail networks in six of Australia's major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
A further $3.4 billion will be invested to achieve the Government's vision for N1, or Network 1 — Australia's busiest freight route linking Melbourne to Cairns and key roads feeding into N1.
Australia's ports are a critical gateway providing Australian businesses with access to global markets. The Government is setting aside $389 million to help lift export capacity for ports in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Smarter regulation, governance, planning and pricing can also make our infrastructure more efficient. The Government will leverage its direct investment in Australia's economic infrastructure by continuing to implement a strategic, nationally coordinated approach to the future development, integration and planning of Australia's critical infrastructure in consultation with the Council of Australian Governments and Infrastructure Australia. The Government is also advancing regulatory reform to move Australia towards single, national transport markets for maritime, rail and heavy vehicles.
National Broadband Network
The Government has established a company to invest up to $43 billion in a National Broadband Network (NBN) to provide superfast broadband to Australian homes and businesses. The Government will be the majority shareholder and significant private sector investment is expected. The NBN will address under‑investment in key national infrastructure, support future growth in the demand for telecommunications services and ready Australia to take advantage of new opportunities in the 21st century.
Clean energy infrastructure
The $4.5 billion (including $1 billion in existing funding) Clean Energy Initiative will help support the development of low‑emission technologies while also building skills and capacity in the green economy. The Government will establish a new innovation investment body — Renewables Australia, will invest in new Solar Flagship projects, and also invest in a number of Carbon Capture and Storage Flagship projects.
Social infrastructure
The Government is committing $3.2 billion to invest in hospital infrastructure, cancer care and translational research. This package supports the Government's health care reform agenda and, by focusing efforts on social infrastructure investment, will support increased employment.
The Government will provide $2.6 billion from the Education Investment Fund (EIF) to ensure our universities and research facilities have 21st century infrastructure.