Water security is amongst the five new high priority national initiatives highlighted in Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List 2020, released 26 February 2020.
The Infrastructure Priority List presented 147 infrastructure proposals of national significance, including six New High Priority Projects and 17 New Priority Projects worth more than $58 billion.
Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive, Romilly Madew, said the Infrastructure Priority List reflects both the diversity and urgency of Australia’s future infrastructure needs.
“Resilience was a key theme of our 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit and this focus continues to be reflected in our latest edition of the Infrastructure Priority List,” Ms Madew said.
“Compounding issues of unprecedented infrastructure demand, severe drought and other environmental changes, require a focus on our resilience strategies and a consensus on where to invest now for our nation’s future prosperity.
“As an independent advisory body, it’s our role to bring these problems and opportunities into the national spotlight to spark investment and coordinated action from industry and government.”
Infrastructure Australia specifically identified a new High Priority Initiative for a national water strategy as well as a new town and city water security High Priority Initiative.
“In response to this call to action, we’re expecting a range of solutions to be considered for capturing, managing and distributing water, along with improvements in reporting and use of data in the water sector,” Ms Madew said.
Ms Madew also reaffirmed the role the Priority List plays in business case assessment.
“The Priority List has a strong record of driving national investment and has become a key reference point for all levels of government,” Ms Madew said.
