Investing in regional infrastructure...

The Government continues to invest in the economic and community infrastructure essential to regional development and to building a strong, prosperous Australia.

Regional Development Australia Fund

The Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) is an investment of around $1 billion over five years to fund a diverse range of economic and community infrastructure projects across Australia, $573 million of which is contingent on the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax.

Projects are to align with the regional plans developed by Regional Development Australia committees to ensure they best fit the priorities of the region. Projects will be assessed on a competitive basis through multiple funding rounds — with the first round looking to contribute up to $100 million in funding and another round to be held in late 2011.

The RDAF builds on the $1.1 billion invested under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program from 2008 to 2011.

Transport infrastructure

The Government is already investing $22 billion in transport infrastructure, including $299 million for the Caboolture Motorway in Queensland, $164 million for the Brighton Bypass in Tasmania and $55.1 million for upgrades to the Sturt Highway in South Australia.

The Government will also invest a further $1.02 billion in this Budget in the Pacific Highway.