Infrastructure Australia has released its June 2022 Infrastructure Priority List, which focuses on ensuring efficient road, rail and renewable energy projects in regional Australia.
The Infrastructure Priority List presents the key investment opportunities for Australia’s cities and regions that should be further developed over the next 15 years.
This update to the Priority List highlights a need for greater focus on delivering resilient road and rail connections in regional Australia, enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of our transport networks and promoting development in northern Australia.
The June 2022 update publishes proposals at various stages of development that are not yet fully funded, including 25 new Early-stage proposals (Stage 1), three new Potential investment options (Stage 2) and two new Investment-ready proposals (Stage 3).
The Priority List has been developed in collaboration with state and territory governments, industry and the community and draws on our independent research, including the 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan and 2021 Infrastructure Market Capacity report.
The 2022 Priority List includes two new proposals which are recommended for federal investment following the development of a strong business case, which has been independently assessed by Infrastructure Australia – Australia-Asia Power Link and Circular Quay Renewal.
Australia-Asia Power Link is a private proposal from Sun Cable, which proposes to develop large-scale dispatchable renewable energy in the Northern Territory that would provide zero emission electricity to Darwin and Singapore.
Set to be the largest solar farm, largest battery and longest subsea electricity cable ever developed globally, the proposal would deliver lower electricity prices for the Northern Territory and develop a new renewable energy export industry for northern Australia.
Sun Cable is continuing to develop the project, including by securing environmental approvals, commercial agreements to underpin demand and final funding arrangements.
The New South Wales Government’s proposed Circular Quay Renewal project seeks to transform one of Australia’s most recognisable and historic places.
With major transport upgrades, delivery of modern and well-integrated public spaces and greater recognition for First Nations cultures and history, the proposal offers substantial community and economic benefits.
The New South Wales Government and the proposal’s industry partner are continuing to develop the planning and design of the proposal with the view of receiving approval and progressing to delivery in 2025 (subject to State and Federal Government funding approval).
The complete list of priorities can be found here.
