Which projects are the government fast-tracking?

As part of CGC in Focus, we have been highlighting how the Australian Government will be fast-tracking infrastructure projects. But which major infrastructure projects will be fastest off the post-COVID starting line?

The Federal Government will fast-track 15 critical infrastructure projects — including the Snowy 2.0, inland rail from Brisbane to Melbourne and the expansion of South Australia’s Olympic Dam — to help with Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

The government’s five-year package includes $1.5 billion to immediately commence work on priority projects identified by states and territories, creating an estimated 66,000 direct and indirect jobs. Announced in August as a key component of the JobMaker program, the package will help federal and state governments halve project assessment and approval times.

The government has allocated $1 billion for “shovel ready projects” that could commence within six months, and $500 million for local road safety works by state and territory governments within 12 months. An additional $500 million is available for roads and community infrastructure provided by local governments, while also bringing forward to this year $1.3 billion from the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant for local councils.

Which Projects are the Government Fast-Tracking

Updated Priority List from national industry body

Infrastructure Australia supports the government response to COVID-19, with the oversight body’s focus on selecting projects that will deliver lasting benefits. In August, Infrastructure Australia released an updated edition of the 2020 Infrastructure Priority List, presenting 155 infrastructure proposals of national significance, a pipeline worth more than $64 billion.

The updated list includes five new projects, two new high priority initiatives and five new priority initiatives around Australia. Infrastructure Australia’s CEO, Romilly Madew said the Government’s recent announcement to bring forward another $1.5 billion on local infrastructure projects, with $500 million of that targeted for road safety, is well placed. “It aligns with existing priorities on the [list], such as a National Road Maintenance strategy and a priority initiative for regional and rural road network safety improvements [in Western Australia].

“As we look forward, the focus is on delivery. This is about expanding the pipeline, keeping the economy growing, helping to create jobs and attract investment. The List directs investment to the infrastructure projects that will kick-start economic growth and have the greatest returns for all Australians.”

Infrastructure Australia Priority List: New South Wales additions

M12 Motorway	High Priority Project
More Trains, More Services Stage 2	Priority Project
Port Botany Rail Line Duplication & Cabramatta Passing Loop (ARTC submission)	Priority Project

The M12 Motorway has been given a High Priority listing. To address the state’s needs, the Federal and NSW governments propose to build this new 16-kilometre dual-carriage motorway as part of their long-term Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan to support Greater Sydney’s growing population and transport needs.

The new M12 motorway will provide direct access to the Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek and connect to Sydney’s motorway network, including the major north-south Westlink M7 corridor.

With 31 stations and more than 66 km of new rail, Australia’s largest public transport project, the Sydney Metro, is another major project helping boost our post-pandemic economy. The project has already created many new jobs for engineering, construction and infrastructure professionals since its 2017 start.

Infrastructure Australia Priority List – new Queensland additions

Queensland regional road network safety improvements	High Priority Initiative
Brisbane northern suburbs corridor capacity	High Priority Initiative
Browns Plains to South East Busway public transport connectivity	Priority Initiative
Queensland inland freight route capacity and safety	Priority Initiative
Browns Plains to Beaudesert road capacity and safety	Priority Initiative
Mooloolah River Interchange capacity and safety	Priority Initiative

In September, we welcomed the federal government’s announcement of fast-tracked backing for the next phase of the huge Inland Rail project from Brisbane to Melbourne. For the Queensland industry, Infrastructure Australia’s listing of two new High Priority Initiatives and four new Priority Initiatives will be a boost to the sector.

In Brisbane itself, the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail Project is the state’s highest priority infrastructure project. The new line and high-capacity stations are set to unlock the transport network’s problems, create many jobs, and generate unique opportunities for construction, urban renewal, economic development and revitalisation of inner-city precincts.

For more information on all projects selected for fast-tracking, visit .

Recruitment insights

To read our expert predictions for the infrastructure, architecture, property development, construction, and engineering recruitment sectors in the coming financial year, and what it means for you, download our CGC in Focus Report.

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If you’re looking for the right team member, get in touch with CGC, and one of our experienced consultants will be happy to help.

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