High-quality, efficient land transport infrastructure is essential to Australia's productivity, economic growth and future prosperity. The Government will invest $19.1 billion in road and rail infrastructure under the second AusLink national land transport plan (AusLink 2), and around $3.2 billion in other local roads grants over five years from 2009‑10.
The Government will also increase funding under AusLink 1 by $695 million — including $250 million in 2006-07 — bringing investment in land transport infrastructure to $15.8 billion over the five years to 2008-09.
A number of key AusLink 1 projects on Australia's major freight corridors are already open to traffic, including the Albury‑Wodonga Bypass, Westlink M7 and Craigieburn Bypass.
Under AusLink 2, the Government will continue to work with the States and Territories to further improve the efficiency, adequacy and safety of the national land transport system.
Around $16.8 billion will be provided for the national network linking Australia's major population and economic centres. This includes funding for the $2.3 billion Goodna Bypass, which will address long term traffic
needs on one of South East Queensland's busiest routes.
The Government will also continue its commitment to local roads through AusLink's Roads to Recovery ($1.8 billion) and Strategic Regional ($300 million) programmes. The Black Spot Programme ($300 million) will continue to save lives by fixing road crash sites around Australia.
The additional funding, combined with reforms to improve the efficiency and productivity of road and rail freight, will position Australia to meet projected growth in demand on Australia's transport network.
$15.8 billion over 2004-05
to 2008-09
$22.3 billion over 2009-10
to 2013-14
Land transport funding
15 2007‑08 Budget Overview