Transcript

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP – Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

June 2009

An integral component of the Government’s response to the global recession is a massive investment in our nation’s road and rail networks.

This investment will support thousands of jobs in every state and territory.

It will also improve safety, and make our road and rail networks more efficient which will improve our nation’s long-term economic productivity.

No part of Australia will be immune from the impacts of the global recession.

That’s why our Plan will invest in vital road and rail infrastructure right across the country.

All up, our investment in infrastructure under the Nation Building and Economic Stimulus Plan is more than $35.8 billion dollars.

This includes the following initiatives.

$150 million to install boom gates and improve safety at around 292 rail crossings.

$150 million to eliminate hundreds of blackspots on local roads.

$711 million to kick start 14 road projects.

A $1.2 billion equity injection for the Australian Rail Track Corporation for 17 rail projects that will make the rail network more efficient.

And major investment in the N1, including $3.1 billion for the Pacific Highway; $2.6 billion for the Bruce Highway; and $950 million for the Hume.

We’re making great progress.

Over 25 new boom gates will be installed in Victoria by the end of this month.

Black spot projects have already been rolled out, or are in the detailed planning phase.

And construction is underway on a number of key road projects, such as the Brighton Bypass in Tasmania, the Northern Expressway in South Australia, and the Western Ring Road upgrade in Victoria.

These projects are not just supporting jobs and economic activity in the short term.

They are also making our local communities better places to live, work and bring up a family.

I look forward to telling you more about the Government’s nation building investments on this website in the future.