State-by-state breakdown: which suburbs and cities will get the biggest boosts?
The government has made a raft of promises about infrastructure spend which, if followed through, will have a knock on impact to property prices in surrounding suburbs. Here are the key projects investors need to keep in mind.
The release of 2019’s budget introduced a slew of changes to transport infrastructure. It was a mix of new funding injection plans and confirmation that existing proposals have been budgeted for in the 2019/20 financial year.
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Transport infrastructure
A significant investment consideration is a “record transport infrastructure investment” of $100 billion over the next decade, which could see accessibility of properties, job sites and delivery routes improve.
It was announced in the budget that new road and rail projects will target “the worst affected areas” around the country while “strengthening” freight and supply chains for Australian businesses.
Of the major projects underway, $9.3 billion will be spent on the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail, $5.3 billion will go towards the Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) International Airport and $5 billion has been dedicated to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
The budget also includes an increase of $1 billion to $4 billion for the Urban Congestion Fund (including $500 million for a new Commuter Car Park Fund), and an increase of $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion to fund the Roads of Strategic Importance.
Meanwhile, a fast rail plan was also announced in the budget, including a $2 billion fast rail plan from Geelong to Melbourne.
Fast rail business cases were also announced, including for:
- Sydney to Newcastle;
- Sydney to Wollongong;
- Sydney to Parkes (via Bathurst and Orange);
- Melbourne to Greater Shepparton;
- Melbourne to Albury Wodonga;
- Melbourne to Traralgon;
- Brisbane to the regions of Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast; and
- Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
Big states, big budgets
$7.3 billion will be spent on new projects in New South Wales, including:
- $3.5 billion for the Western Sydney Rail;
- $1.6 billion for the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace;
- $500 million for the Princes Highway;
- $254 million for the Urban Congestion Fund; and
- $496 million for Roads of Strategic Importance.
$6.2 billion has been dedicated to Victoria, including:
- $1.1 billion for Suburban Roads Upgrades (Southeastern and Northern Roads);
- $700 million for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail;
- $490 million for Roads of Strategic Importance;
- $360 million for the Western Highway (Final Stage of Duplication from Ararat to Stawell); and
- $396 million for the Urban Congestion Fund.
- $4 billion will go towards infrastructure developments in Queensland, including:
- $824 million for the Roads of Strategic Importance (North);
- $800 million for the Gateway Motorway (Bracken Ridge to Pine River);
- $425 million for the Bruce Highway;
- $379 million for the Urban Congestion Fund;
- $320 million for the Warrego Highway; and
- $186 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (South).
$2.6 billion has been dedicated to new projects in South Australia, including:
- $1.5 billion for the North-South Corridor;
- $341 million for the Urban Congestion Fund;
- $260 million for the SA Regional Roads Package; and
- $220 million for Roads of Strategic Importance.
Meanwhile, $1.6 billion will be spent on transportation developments in Western Australia, including:
- $393 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (North);
- $349 million for the Tonkin Highway;
- $115 million for the Fremantle Traffic Bridge;
- $142 million for the Roads of Strategic Importance (South);
- $140 million for the Albany Ring Road; and
- $122 million for the Urban Congestion Fund.
Smaller wins
Further, the coalition will spend $622 million on new projects in the Northern Territory, including $492 million for the Roads of Strategic Importance fund.
$313 million has been dedicated to new projects in Tasmania, including $210 million for the Roads of Strategic Importance fund, $68 million for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program and $35 million for the Urban Congestion Fund.
Meanwhile, $50 million has been set aside for the Australian Capital Territory.