Roadmap to infrastructure reform

Infrastructure Australia has released its 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan, calling for a new wave of reform to make the most of the Federal Government’s $110 billion infrastructure spend and drive the nation's COVID-19 recovery. Infrastructure Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said the 15-year roadmap was being delivered at a critical moment. "The pandemic, bushfires, drought, floods, and cyber-attacks have tested our collective resilience during recent years, while the most recent outbreaks have devastated our CBDs and put us at risk of a recession," she said. “The 2021 Plan outlines the reforms that will underscore future Australian economic growth. It is focused on identifying the actions required to deliver infrastructure for a stronger Australia and support our national recovery from the still-unfolding COVID-19 pandemic." Key opportunities include: Supporting growth in regional centres and northern AustraliaInvesting in transformative technology to deliver affordable and sustainable infrastructure servicesPromoting changes to the behaviour around infrastructure use, empowering Australians to make sustainable choicesGreater transparency and coordination of the project pipeline and reforms to improve industry productivityMore collaborative models of infrastructure delivery to support productivity and innovation. Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) chief executive officer Chris Melham said the plan picked up on many of the critical reforms identified by the civil construction industry. Civil Contractors Federation chief executive officer Chris Melham. “These include a more coordinated infrastructure project pipeline, strengthening industry and governmentcollaboration on infrastructure projects, and improving procurement processes," he said. “In particular, a strong theme emanating from the plan is the need for greater collaboration between industryand government to better manage project risks, and we look forward to working with jurisdictions to progressthis much needed reform." Need for project disaggregation He said the plan noted the volatility of investment in infrastructure, as well as investment increasingly being targeted towards major projects. “This underlines the need for procurement policies that support project disaggregation to provide greater opportunities for tier 2 and 3 companies to tender for projects, including through joint venture arrangements,” Mr Melham said. Infrastructure Australia says the reform roadmap outlined in the 2021 Plan reflects an industry consensus that was developed in close collaboration with governments, industry and communities. Each reform identified in the 2021 Plan incorporates a recommendation, which is supported by interim outcomes and a series of enabling activities. The 2021 Plan also identifies parties to sponsor, lead and support reform as well as the time-period for their adoption. Importantly, each recommendation prioritises community and user outcomes and balances them with implementation costs and risks for government “The challenge of progressing the reforms outlined in the 2021 Plan is a shared one – that is why we stand ready to partner with the Commonwealth, states and territories, local government and industry to support the implementation of reform," Ms Madew said. “While the Australian Government will respond to the 2021 Plan, many of the actions across water, transport, energy, waste and social infrastructure require action from state and territory or local government. Lasting reform will require increased collaboration.” View the 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan HERE

Roadmap to infrastructure reform

Industry Queensland

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