...to unlock the economic potential of regions

Regional Infrastructure Fund

The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) comprises $6 billion in funding, targeted at the resource rich states that face large infrastructure demands, $5.6 billion of which is contingent on the passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax.

Investments in regional infrastructure will improve productivity, transport efficiency and safety, more efficiently link regions to markets, and promote economic and social development.

The Budget provides $916 million for the first projects to be funded from the RIF:

• $480 million for the Gateway WA project to upgrade the public arterial road network around Perth Airport to improve transport safety, and maximise productivity, sustainability and liveability in the region (WA);
• $160 million to complete the section of the Townsville Ring Road which will link the Douglas Arterial to the Bruce Highway at Mt Low (QLD);
• $120 million for a package of works to improve safety on Peak Downs Highway (QLD);
• $54 million to upgrade the Blacksoil Interchange at the intersection between the Warrego and Brisbane Valley Highways (QLD);
• $50 million to complete the final two stages of the Gladstone Port Access Road , which will extend this road from Glenlyon Street to Red Rover Road (QLD);
• $40 million to upgrade the intersection of the Bruce and Capricorn Highways (QLD);
• $10 million for the Mackay Ring Road Study, which will deliver a detailed business case for the Road and establish a preferred route, cost and construction timelines (QLD); and
• $2 million for planning work necessary to build an overpass for the rail line on the New England Highway in Scone (NSW).