The Hon Catherine King MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Dan Repacholi MP

Federal Member for Hunter

MEDIA RELEASE

NATION BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A BETTER AUSTRALIA

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure Australia needs, creating jobs and growing the economy while not increasing pressure on inflation.

The independent strategic review found that the Infrastructure Investment Program inherited from the former Coalition Government was undeliverable.

Under the Liberals and Nationals, the number of projects in the Infrastructure Investment Program blew out from nearly 150 to 800.

Many projects lacked proper planning, didn’t have informed costings and weren’t ready for Commonwealth investment.

The review found an estimated $33 billion in known cost pressures across all projects in the program and there is a high risk that figure could increase.

Now that the review has been completed and after considered consultation with the States and Territories, the government has a forward plan of projects that are properly planned and targeted to unlock significant economic, social and environmental objectives.

Here in the Hunter electorate, funding has been confirmed for all of the Hunter electorate projects, including the John Renshaw Drive upgrade, Mandalong Road Upgrade, Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Coulsons Creek Road, Merriwa to Willow Tree and the Tenterfield to Newcastle - New England Highway Corridor - Priority Intersection Upgrades.

In the Hunter electorate and across Australia, the Albanese Government is delivering infrastructure that make communities safer, promotes productivity and unlocks the potential of cities, towns and regions.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that builds Australia and improves lives. To do this, we need an infrastructure program that is fit for purpose, fiscally responsible and above all, deliverable.

“We are delivering infrastructure that creates jobs and helps wages grow, and makes our communities better connected and more livable.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

“Confirmation that all the Hunter’s projects will be built is welcome news.

“The people of Singleton and Muswellbrook have been told about the potential Bypasses for decades and now they are being delivered.

“The money has been secured and its now over to the NSW Government to get them built.

“Only Labor Governments can be trusted to deliver the projects that matter to our community.”