Infrastructure Australia releases new Infrastructure Priority List
Infrastructure Australia has released its new Infrastructure Priority List that highlights the investment blueprint that will help address the nation’s critical infrastructure needs as well as opportunities over the next 10 years.
The Infrastructure Priority List is Infrastructure Australia’s independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on high-priority proposals that should be considered for investment over the next decade.
The new List features 68 proposals which aim to strengthen the nation’s transport connectivity, ports and freight networks, water security as well as support the transition to a net zero and clean energy economy.
“From our growing population and the strength of our economy to the liveability and connectivity of our cities and regions – everything hinges on having the right infrastructure invested in at the right time.
“This investment blueprint will give the Australian Government the confidence, clarity and evidence it needs on what the highest priority proposals are for the country that can address critical infrastructure gaps and unlock economic opportunities.
“Providing this short to long-term outlook will help the Australian Government address immediate infrastructure needs while maintaining a healthy pipeline of projects aligned with the market’s capacity to deliver.
“This will ensure the government knows when a proposal is needed most by communities while also giving taxpayers the best bang for their buck,” Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive Officer Adam Copp said.
The Infrastructure Priority List strategically targets proposals that should be considered for planning or delivery investment now, and it also includes those that should be targeted for investment over the next 10 years.
Each proposal in the List responds to one of five key priority areas identified by Infrastructure Australia to meet the nation’s critical needs as well as aspirations now and in the future.
The priority areas include:
- High Productivity Freight Networks – enhancing the capacity, interoperability and resilience of nationally-important freight corridors and networks for higher productivity rail and road freight
- Ports Capacity and Connectivity – increasing national ports capacity and strengthening import-export supply chains with last mile freight and intermodal connections for ports and port precincts
- High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities – building safe, efficient and city shaping transport for our fast-growing urban populations and unlocking priority growth areas and precincts for housing and development
- Secure Sustainable Water for Growth – providing secure, climate-resilient water and wastewater capacity in cities and regions to support housing growth and increasing demands from water-intensive industries
- Delivering Net Zero and Clean Energy Economy – delivering large-scale renewable generation, storage and transmission, including enabling infrastructure, and unlocking national economic opportunities from the net zero transition
“These priority areas ensure there are clear objectives and benefits for the nation in the Australian Government investing in these proposals.
“Whether it involves upgrading key freight links to boost Australia’s trade competitiveness or exploring new public transport connections that could improve mobility, unlock housing and create jobs – each proposal has the potential to materially improve the nation’s productivity, liveability and sustainability,” Mr Copp said.
Throughout the evaluation process and selection of the highest priority proposals for Australia, consideration was given to the priorities of each state and territory government seeking co-investment from the Australian Government.
The Infrastructure Priority List is one of several inputs the Australian Government considers when making investment decisions. However, inclusion on the list does not guarantee funding, and proposals not featured on the list may still be supported through Commonwealth funding pathways.
Below are the 68 proposals included in the new Infrastructure Priority List
| Proposal / State or Territory | Description | Priority Area | Pipeline |
| Hume Highway (Sheahan Bridge) upgrade - New South Wales | Upgrades to the northbound Sheahan Bridge at Gundagai to enable High Productivity Vehicle movements on the Hume Highway, supporting freight productivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| Inland Rail interface improvements - New South Wales | Infrastructure to ensure interoperability between the Country Regional Network and Inland Rail to maximise productivity and efficiency of freight movements from regional NSW to domestic and export markets | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| South East Queensland intermodal terminal capacity - Queensland | Additional intermodal terminal capacity in South East Queensland to support forecast freight growth and service future Inland Rail trains, supporting freight productivity and resilience | High Productivity Freight Networks | 5 - 10 years |
| Melbourne intermodal terminal capacity - Victoria | Development of the Western Freight Terminal in Melbourne's west supporting future freight growth and productivity, connecting to the proposed Outer Metropolitan Ring Rail South, Inland Rail and the national freight rail network | High Productivity Freight Networks | 5 - 10 years |
| Ord-East Kimberley irrigation expansion - National | Opportunity to upgrade and extend irrigation channels to expand irrigated crops in the Ord River Irrigation Area in North-West Western Australia and the Keep River Plains in North-East Northern Territory | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | 2 - 4 years |
| Northern Territory freight rail and logistics capacity improvements - Northern Territory | Freight rail and logistics capacity improvements along the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor to improve connectivity, supporting efficient movement of goods across the Northern Territory and to national and international markets | High Productivity Freight Networks | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Melbourne Airport Rail - Victoria | A new passenger rail line supporting connectivity between Melbourne Airport, the CBD and regional rail network, with new stations at Melbounre Airport and Keilor East and upgrades at Sunshine Station | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for zero emissions and high productivity freight vehicles - Victoria | The transport sector accounts for a large proportion of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. Changes to heavy vehicle technology such as use of High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) and Low and Zero Emission Heavy Vehicles (LZEHVs) can contribute to meeting the emission targets for the transport sector | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| Werribee water system reconfiguration - Victoria | Upgrades to the Western Treatment Plant, Melton Treatment Plant and transfer pipelines supporting recycled water use, environmental outcomes and First Nations' self-determination within the Werribee water system | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity - South Australia | Upgrades to address capacity issues at Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant, supporting housing development | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| ACT renewable energy storage enhancement - Australian Capital Territory | New battery storage capacity that would help reduce the risk of power outages and supply disruptions | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop East - Victoria | A new 26-kilometre mass transit system, with six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill, supporting housing, liveability and connectivity | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | Delivery investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Perth rail lines capacity - Western Australia | Platform extensions and signalling upgrades across the Armadale, Midland and Fremantle lines, allowing the use of higher capacity six-car trains, supporting efficient rail services and passenger growth | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for NSW Zero Emissions Buses (Future stages) - New South Wales | Infrastructure supporting the rollout and operation of ZEBs, such as depot upgrades, charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades, that would reduce public transport emissions | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Westport (Kwinana port development) - Western Australia | Relocating Western Australia's primary container port from Fremantle to a new facility at Kwinana to meet future demand, supported by upgraded road, rail, and intermodal infrastructure | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones - Port of Newcastle to Central-West Orana REZ - New South Wales | Enabling infrastructure is needed to support the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms and batteries, to meet Australian and NSW Government's emissions reduction targets | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Hobart transport network improvements - Tasmania | Expanding public transport coverage, upgrading the road network, and optimisation of freight routes in Greater Hobart, supporting connectivity and productivity | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| National interoperability of digital signalling and train control - National | Rollout of digital signalling and train control technology across the National Network for Interoperability, including trackside and onboard systems, supporting productivity and resilience | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney - New South Wales | A high speed rail service connecting Newcastle and Western Sydney International Airport via the Central Coast and Sydney, improving connectivity, liveability and enabling housing | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Paradise Dam Improvements Project - Queensland | Restoring water security and ensuring long-term dam safety for regional communities and industries in Bundaberg by constructing a new dam wall downstream of the existing structure | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | Delivery investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Launceston Sewerage improvement program - Tasmania | Consolidation of sewage treatment plants, creating capacity for projected housing growth in Launceston and ensuring the sewerage system is compliant with environmental standards | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Lefevre Peninsula growth infrastructure - Osborne Precinct - South Australia | Upgrades to transport, utilities, and social infrastructure on the Lefevre Peninsula, supporting defence capability, housing supply, and industrial growth | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Western Trade Coast enabling infrastructure - Henderson Precinct - Western Australia | Upgrades to enabling infrastructure for the Henderson Defence Precinct and the Australian Marine Complex, supporting regional economic growth and defence capability | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Westport enabling infrastructure (Anketell Road upgrades) - Western Australia | Staged upgrades to Anketell Road between Leath Road and the Kwinana Freeway to enable efficient, reliable and safe freight access to the proposed Westport port development | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | Delivery investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Northern Territory road network safety and connectivity improvements - Northern Territory | Targeted upgrades supporting safety and reliability of Northern Territory key freight routes, including the Arnhem Highway, Buchanan Highway, Lasseter Highway, Central Arnhem Road, Carpentaria Highway and the Stuart Highway | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| South Australian High Productivity Freight Vehicle Network (Future stages) - South Australia | Upgrades to South Australia's High Productivity Freight Network, supporting improved freight efficiency and road network safety and resilience | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| High Speed Rail - East Coast future stages - National | A high speed rail service between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, supporting connectivity, liveability and enabling housing | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Sydney rail connections from Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur - New South Wales | Future rail connections between Bradfield and Leppington and Bradfield and Macarthur to increase connectivity and support population and housing growth | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Sydney rail connection between Tallawong and St Marys - New South Wales | Extending rail services between Tallawong and St Marys (via Schofields and Marsden Park), supporting population growth and development of the Western Sydney aerotropolis | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Brisbane Metro expansions - Queensland | Extending the high frequency, high capacity Metro network, improving access to key destinations such as Brisbane Airport and emerging growth areas, supporting liveability and population growth | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Gold Coast public transport capacity and access - Queensland | Public transport improvements to strengthen north-south and east-west public transport corridors to better connect residential growth areas with major activity centres | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones - Ports of Newcastle/Brisbane to New England REZ - National | Infrastructure to address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to the New England REZ, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop (Future stages) - Victoria | Future stages of the Suburban Rail Loop mass transit system, including SRL North and SRL West, supporting housing and jobs growth in Melbourne's inner and outer suburbs | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 5 - 10 years |
| South West Interconnected System connectivity - Western Australia | New transmission infrastructure to connect areas of high renewable energy potential with consumers and industries across south west Western Australia, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Adelaide public transport improvements - South Australia | Addressing public transport constraints in Adelaide CBD and improving public transport capacity and connectivity, including extending rail to key growth areas and electrification of the Outer Harbor and Belair rail lines | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones - Ports of Adelaide/Geelong to South-West REZ - National | Infrastructure to address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to the South West REZ, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Whyalla industrial precinct enabling infrastructure - South Australia | Upgrades to energy, water and port infrastructure at Whyalla to enable the transformation of the steelworks into a low emissions industrial precinct, helping to produce low emissions iron and steel | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Melbourne rail upgrade program (West) - Victoria | Targeted upgrades to the Wyndham Vale and Melton rail corridors to improve capacity, reliability and operational efficiency of the network | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| High Capacity Signalling - South East Queensland (ETCS) - Queensland | Upgrades to existing signalling and train control technology on the metropolitan rail network with modern, internationally tested intelligent systems, supporting efficient and reliable rail services | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| High Capacity Signalling - Sydney (Digital Systems Program) - New South Wales | Upgrades to existing signalling and train control technology on the metropolitan rail network with modern, internationally tested intelligent systems, supporting efficient and reliable rail services | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| High Capacity Signalling - Melbourne - Victoria | Upgrades to existing signalling and train control technology on the metropolitan rail network with modern, internationally tested intelligent systems, supporting efficient and reliable rail services | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| The Wave (Sunchine Coast mass transit) - Queensland | A new passenger rail line between Beerwah and Birtinya, supporting population growth and connectivity, as part of the broader Wave program to provide an integrated public transport service connecting to the Sunshine Coast Airport | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | Delivery investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Perth rail network planning (East Wanneroo Rail Link, Perth metropolitan orbital rail route) - Western Australia | A new suburban radial rail line, supporting housing growth and liveability, by connecting Morley and East Wanneroo to the Joondalup Line to service far northern suburbs, and a potential future Ellenbrook spur line | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 5 - 10 years |
| Melbourne rail upgrade program (North) - Victoria | Track upgrades and signalling improvements to the Craigieburn, Upfield and Seymour rail lines, to improve capacity, reliability and operational efficiency of the network | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones - Port of Gladstone to Central Queensland - Queensland | Infrastructure to address port capacity, port access and road network constraints for transporting renewable energy generation components to Central Queensland, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Enabling infrastructure for South Australia Zero Emissions Buses - South Australia | Infrastructure supporting the rollout and operation of ZEBs, such as depot upgrades, charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades, that would reduce public transport emissions | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| North West Interconnected System connectivity - Western Australia | New common-use transmission infrastructure to connect areas of high renewable energy resource potential with regional communities and major export industries in the Pilbara region, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Western Sydney Airport fuel pipeline - New South Wales | A fuel pipeline connecting Western Sydney Airport to the Sydney fuel pipeline network, supporting safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation of jet fuel at scale | Ports Capacity and Connectiviy | 2 - 4 years |
| Canberra public transport improvements - Australian Capital Territory | Expanding the public transport network in Canberra, including bus priority corridors and light rail expansion, providing greater connectivity and reducing emissions | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| National Electricity Market connectivity - National | New transmission infrastructure to connect Renewable Energy Zones to consumers and industry in the east coast's National Electricity Market, supporting the renewable energy transition | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Bruce Highway upgrade - Queensland | Upgrades to the Bruce Highway to address specific capacity constraints, flood resilience and safety | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| Road access improvements for remote Western Australia communities - Western Australia | Road capacity and resilience upgrades to improve access to remote Western Australia areas, supporting regional and remote connectivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Salisbury to Beaudesert rail connection (South East Queensland) - Queensland | A new suburban rail line between Salisbury and Beaudesert in Brisbane's south-west, supporting population growth and connectivity | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Burnie to Hobart freight corridor improvement - Tasmania | Road and rail improvements to enable greater volumes of natural resouce exports - complementing proposed upgrades at the Port of Burnie and supporting freight productivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| Melbourne Outer metropolitan Ring / E6 transport corridor - Victoria | Coridor preservation in Melbourne's north west for a future transport corridor supporting population and freight growth and connectivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | 5 - 10 years |
| Darwin region water supply (Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage) - Northern Territory | Recommended for investment to support the Northern Territory Government to undertake planning work to demonstrate how the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage project can provide a water source necessary for the growth and prosperity of the territory beyond 2030 | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Port of Brisbane freight rail improvements - Queensland | Upgrades to increase freight capacity and efficiency between the Port of Brisbane and the wider rail network, supporting connectivity with future Inland Rail trains | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | 5 - 10 years |
| Perth and south-western coast water security - Western Australia | Water supply and demand management interventions to provide additional sources of climate-independent potable water supporting industry and population growth | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | 2 - 4 years |
| Sydney - Canberra rail connectivity and capacity - National | Upgrades to the Sydney-Canberra rail corridor, supporting quicker and more frequent rail services | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Great Northern Highway improvements - Broome to Kununurra - Western Australia | Upgrades to narrow sections, strengthening and replacing bridges, and improving flood-prone segments to improve regional and remote connectivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| South Coast Highway improvements - Albany to Esperance - Western Australia | Upgrades to the South Coast Highway between Albany and Esperance, supporting connectivity and road safety | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| High Capacity Signalling - Perth (METRONET) - Western Australia | Upgrades to existing signalling and train control technology on the METRONET rail network with modern, internationally tested intelligent systems, supporting efficient and reliable rail services | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 2 - 4 years |
| Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal - New South Wales | Constructing a dedicated freight rail line between the Southern Sydney Freight Line, a new intermodal terminal at the Mamre Road Precinct and the Main West Line near St Marys, supporting future freight growth and productivity | High Productivity Freight Networks | 2 - 4 years |
| Northern South Australia productive water security - South Australia | A new, climate-independent water source for South Australia's Upper Spencer Gulf and Far North regions supporting growth in industrial and agricultural activities, including mining | Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth | 2 - 4 years |
| Port of Burnie capacity - Tasmania | Upgrades to the Port of Burnie, Tasmania's only multi-use seaport, to enhance bulk and containerised shipping capacity | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | 2 - 4 years |
| Common user infrastructure at the Middle Arm Precinct - Northern Territory | Common user infrastructure at a new multi-user industrial precinct, supporting export growth and economic diversification | Ports Capacity and Connectivity | Planning investment - Investment-ready proposals |
| Northern Territory remote community power generation program - Northern Territory | Replacement of ageing diesel generators in 72 remote communities across the Northern Territory with a mix of renewables, hybrid generation and battery storage systems, supporting energy security and Closing the Gap outcomes | Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy | 2 - 4 years |
| Ipswich to Springfield transport capacity (South East Queensland) - Queensland | New high capacity transport service etween Ipswich and Springfield, supporting regional connectivity | High-Capacity Transport for Growing Cities | 5 - 10 years |
Source: Infrastructure Australia (1, 2, 3); The Urban Developer; Infrastructure Magazine
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