future of regional infrastructure j archer
DESCRIPTION
A review of the status of regional infrastructure investment in Australia. Looks at the state of information and investment in the sector, identifying a confusion of programs and initiatives across levels of government and poor information to guide decision making. Identifies options for improving the situation with the goal of putting local and regional infrastructure into a decision making framework similar to that placed on other infrastructure. The 'road fund' proposal put forward by the Productivity Commission is identified as a possible seed of reform as is the introduction of arms length oversight and analysis organisations at the the state and federal level.TRANSCRIPT
THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
Driving economic growth and
community well-being for
Australia
JACK ARCHERRegional Australia Institute
OVERVIEW
About the Regional Australia Institute
Regional Infrastructure – our current approach
Embedding Regional Infrastructure in the National Agenda
– reform imperatives
WHAT IS THE REGIONAL AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE
The Regional Australia Institute exists to create a vibrant
future for regional Australia - for the benefit of all
Australians
Informed by both research and ongoing dialogue with the
community, we develop policy and advocate for change to
build a stronger economy and a better quality of life in
regional Australia
[IN]SIGHT - AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX
Putting data backinto the hands ofregional Australia
REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Supports a flexible, integrated and diverse national
economy
Provides a foundation for equity and quality of life across
Australia
Widespread deficit identified – estimated at $15b+ and
rising
Current Infrastructure Projects (Source: Dept Infrastructure and Regional Development)
REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES
Limited or no understanding of the relative benefits of
regional investment (existing and potential)
Lack of clearly defined and measurable policy objectives –
e.g. via clearly defined Community Service Obligations
Severe institutional impediments to better outcomes
• 560 LGAs, multitude of programs and initiatives, focus
on ribbon cutting and significant new infrastructure
investment
Integrated national infrastructure investment
framework
• setting clearer policy goals
• rigorously measuring community infrastructure needs
and the success of all levels of government
A systemic national response to the local
infrastructure deficit
• better application of Commonwealth funding
• facilitation of private investment
• capacity building and improved information.
RAI REFORM DIRECTIONS
Growth of independent influence in the system:
• Establishment and embedding of Infrastructure Australia
(e.g. National Road Audit Initiative)
• State infrastructure organisations (e.g. RDA
Hunter/Infrastructure NSW Hunter Economic
Infrastructure Plan)
PC Inquiry into Public Infrastructure (Road Fund
recommendation)
CURRENT REFORM DIRECTIONS – SEEDS OF CHANGE?
Regional infrastructure embedded into the national
infrastructure system, competing alongside big ticket city
projects for investment
Political decision making balanced by rigorous and
consistent information, independent analysis and lasting
objectives
Formal coalitions of LGAs and others in regional Australia
collaborating to define needs and seek investment from
upper tiers of government
AMBITIONS WE SHOULD SET
LOST OPPORTUNITY - SMALL PROJECTS MAY BRING
BIGGER BENEFITS!
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
Fo
rec
as
t B
CR
Cost ($ million)
Source: Productivity Commission/Infrastructure Australia
KEEP IN TOUCH
www.regionalaustralia.org.au
@RegionalAus