Investing in our mining regions

Reinvesting the proceeds of the resources boom in mining communities

The Budget provides $916 million for the first eight infrastucture projects to be funded from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). The RIF will provide $6.0 billion over the 11 years to 2020‑21 for investment in infrastructure in regional Australia.

The RIF allows the Government to invest the proceeds of the mining boom to address urgent infrastucture needs.

$5.6 billion of the RIF will be funded through the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT).

The RIF funding allocations will promote development and job creation in mining communities and communities which support the mining sector.

Funding from the RIF will go to projects including rail, road, ports, airports, energy, communications, water and other critical economic infrastructure.

It will also provide a clear benefit to Australia's economic development, and to investment in Australia's resource and export capacity.

Infrastructure Australia will review existing regional infrastructure plans to ensure that RIF funds are allocated to projects like

Gateway WA that will be of lasting benefit to regional communities.

Delivering a fair return to resource communities

The Government has committed to allocate at least $2.0 billion from the RIF to projects in each of the resource states of Queensland and Western Australia.

Allocations to the other States and Territories will have regard to the level of MRRT raised within those jurisdictions.

This means more rail, roads, ports and other crucial infrastructure to support the workforce in critical mining regions and in communities that support mining regions.