A new Infrastructure Australia report has identified 479 regional infrastructure gaps across sectors such as housing, education, public transport, and water security.
The Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps report is the first by the by independent infrastructure advisor that looks solely at Australia’s regions and provides a snapshot of their key strengths and infrastructure deficits.
Infrastructure Australia Chair (and former Tamworth Regional Council mayor) Col Murray said the agency’s research and consultation with 48 Regional Development Australia committees highlighted that many regions are eager to capitalise on new opportunities and industries.
“However, they need to have robust, reliable, and resilient infrastructure networks to tap into this growth,” Mr Murray said.
“Governments at all levels, businesses, and communities themselves, have acknowledged the need to address these challenges for many years, but too often they work in isolation.”
“With [this research], we aim to focus the future effort on mutually acknowledged needs, leveraging the assets of industry and the community, alongside government.”
“This report is the beginning, rather than the end of the journey [and] we hope to encourage all stakeholders to come forward with solutions for local challenges and seize opportunities for growth, innovation and investment,” Mr Murray said.
IA is encouraging all stakeholders to provide feedback and further information to support this work program via the feedback form at infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
Submissions will be accepted until 29 April 2022.