The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the recommendations of the independent review of Infrastructure Australia (IA), which will strengthen governance arrangements and support improved visibility and prioritisation of the project pipeline.
ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the report’s recommendations would improve visibility and certainty for industry.
“The review’s recommendations will help establish a strong national focus on infrastructure investment, drawing on the significant expertise that exists within Infrastructure Australia,” Ms Wilkie said.
“We are pleased to see recommendations that will improve pipeline certainty and national consistency to drive better outcomes for both government and industry.
“A streamlined Infrastructure Priority List will ensure resources can be better focused on the projects that can have the biggest impact on the economy, community and our way of life over time.”
Ms Wilkie said the review’s recommendation to establish a Charter of Infrastructure Investment Objectives, and refine the IA product suite to support these objectives and inform budget planning would deliver greater certainty for the sector.
She also welcomed recommendations to develop a national planning and assessment framework and provide greater clarity on the definition of projects of national significance.
“We are facing a once in a generation infrastructure boom and it is critically important that we have the right planning and processes in place to make the most of the opportunities that come with that,” Ms Wilkie said.
“These measures will support a strong national focus for infrastructure investment and help optimise the planning and delivery of key projects across the country.
“The implementation of post completion reviews will inform improved efficiencies in the sector and support better planning for future projects.”
The ARA also welcomed the review’s recommendation to improve the governance model for IA, to be led by three Commissioners and an advisory board.
