Infrastructure Australia have identified 121 nationally significant projects in the 2019 Infrastructure Priority List. IA proposes a record $58 billion pipeline to address the congestion, liveability and economic growth.

The 2019 Infrastructure Priority List is the most complex list of investments identified by the organization to meet the challenges of the future says Julieanne Alroe, Infrastructure Australia Chair. She claims the 2019 List is the largest, most comprehensive and diverse list.

“With a record 121 nationally significant proposals and a $58 billion project pipeline, the Priority List will guide the next 15 years of Australian infrastructure investment,” Ms Alroe said.

This year's publication had 25 new infrastructure proposals with 8 High Priority Pojects, 10 Prioirty Projects, 29 High Priority Initiative and 74 Priority Initiatives indentified by the 2019 Priority List.

The priority list gives all level of government with a list of infrastructure investment opportunities from short to long term projects. These opportunities arise from data developed by the Australian Infrastructure Audit and submissions from state and territory governments, industry and the community, including more than 100 submissions in the last year.

“Many of the projects and potential infrastructure solutions identified in the 2019 Priority List respond to the challenges of population growth in our largest cities, and address the need for frequent and accessible public transport to reduce congestion and maintain Australia’s world-renowned liveability,” Ms Alroe said.

Getting the most out of existing infrastructure through smart technology was a big focus on the 2019 Priority List. For example Intelligent Transport Systems. The advent of electric vehicles, along with automation, growth in the ‘sharing economy’ and technological connectivity, could bring the largest transformation the transport sector has seen since the shift from steam to diesel locomotives.

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the Priority List’s strong attention to rail freight. ARA CEO, Danny Broad, said the rail projects included by Infrastructure Australia are important nation-building initiatives and are endorsed by the rail sector.