Jeff Kennett: Rebuilding infrastructure is important, but not at any cost

Infrastructure projects must be built as you can afford them, while balancing the other obligations of running the state. Victoria has got that mix badly wrong.

It is important for governments to have a continuous program of maintaining the community’s public buildings and infrastructure, and to build new infrastructure when required.

If not done, it will be more costly to do so when finally addressed.

Some infrastructure projects, such as the rail crossing removal program started by the previous government, continued over the past 10 years and have allowed for efficient movement.

But larger infrastructure projects are all behind time on delivery and over budget.

Victoria’s larger infrastructure projects are all behind time on delivery and over budget, Jeff Kennett argues. Picture: Ian Currie

They will make travelling less congested when completed, but the mismanagement and blow out in costs have had long-term implications for the Victorian public.

Infrastructure projects must be built as you can afford them, balancing the other obligations of the state.

Importantly, many non-road infrastructure projects have not been undertaken right around the state.

This includes even the simple things such as bridge and road maintenance.

The Suburban Rail Loop is an example of sheer stupidity by government.
It will never be finished and is another debt bomb for the state.

You do not build to go broke.