Victorian transport infrastructure proposals are a welcome strategic approach
The submission to Infrastructure Australia by the Victorian Government to support the
development of strategic and integrated transport infrastructure systems has been welcomed by
Engineers Australia (EA).
The President of Engineers Australia’s Victorian Division, Paul Collier, said, “The case the
Victorian Government has put forward for funding support for transport infrastructure is not only
a vision for state-based issues, but is also presented in the context of integration with strategies
for delivering a national economic benefit.
“Engineers Australia’s 2010 infrastructure report cards laid the facts out about the condition and
fitness for the future of many economic infrastructure components across Australia.
“The EA Victorian infrastructure report card included the imperatives of major changes to
address the increasing stresses on road infrastructure and the critical changes needed to sort
out the overall poor condition of the rail networks.
“Putting a solid case for support through Infrastructure Australia funding opportunities for priority,
big vision projects like expanding the East West Link project and upgraded and new rail
corridors, are excellent examples of how to get on with job of catching up with demand and
securing economic expansion into the future.
“The issues surrounding strategic infrastructure projects are complex at both a state and national
levels, and the commitment and drive to achieve long-term benefits stretch well past electoral
cycles.
“While the Victorian Government’s has correctly focused at this time on the urgency of pushing
particular transport projects for consideration by Infrastructure Australia, there is a more strategic
approach available for consolidating a longer-term approach for wider infrastructure planning
and management.
“Future cases will involve not only transport, but also the priorities around the other economic
drivers of energy, telecommunications and water, and would be more strongly supported by the
establishment of Infrastructure Victoria as a strategic advisory body.
“Having a structured advisory body that is inclusive of government agencies, business and
community expertise would certainly be the next and lasting strategic move for the Victorian
community and the national interest,” Collier concluded.
Media Contact: John Bright - 0407 234 490 / jbright@engineersaustralia.org.au
Engineers Australia is the common name of The Institution of Engineers Australia with over 93,000 members
