AUS$600 Billion Needed for Australian Infrastructure

The 2019 audit by government body Infrastructure Australia has cautioned that in order to keep up with Australia’s strong population growth, the country must invest AUS$600 billion over 15 years in its infrastructure. Especially transport infrastructure, i.e. roads and public transport, suffered from congestion and overcrowding, according to the report, which put the cost of the problem at more than AUS$37 million.

Transport infrastructure spending was indeed up in Australia recently, as data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics shows. But previous years saw spending slow down, which should not happen again, according to the audit.

Public transport overcrowding was projected to increase fivefold by 2030, if no additional measures were taken. This is because Australia’s population growth is mainly affecting cities and their suburbs, putting a disproportionate burden on areas which offer public transit. By 2034, Australia’s population is expected to grow to 31.4 million, which would be close to a 25 percent increase.