Infrastructure Australia’s Romilly Madew to unveil key reforms needed for North Australia’s growth

Reforms needed to ensure Northern Australia prospers into the future will be released on Friday by Infrastructure Australia.

SPECIFIC reforms that will help ensure Northern Australia prospers into the future will be released on Friday by Infrastructure Australia (IA).

The reforms will be contained in its 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan.

Infrastructure Australia is the nation’s independent infrastructure adviser to the federal government. IA chief executive Romilly Madew, who is also a member of the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission, says the 2021 plan identifies Northern Australia’s pathway to prosperity by identifying where improvements can be made and how to deliver them.

“We know that Northern Australia’s future economic development will be underpinned by growth in industries including: Renewable energy; offshore and onshore gas; advanced manufacturing; minerals development and processing; agribusiness; the space industry; carbon offsets, capture and storage; and tourism.” she said. “We also recognise Northern Australia needs to remain a great place to live and work, which provides it residents high-quality services in an equitable manner.”

Ms Madew said reform efforts should focus on:

UPGRADING economic and social infrastructure.

ATTRACTING skilled workers.

IMPROVING baseline data; and

ACTIVE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community participation.

“To attract more commercial investment, the region needs more government infrastructure investment to help reduce costs, minimise supply chain disruptions and help improve investor confidence” Ms Madew said. “The infrastructure required includes gas pipelines, electricity generation and transmission, water supply, all-weather roads, enhanced rail, sea and air transport and reliable telecommunications.

“Targeted reform and investment in Northern Australia will boost national economic growth, industry productivity and energy security. Investments that improve social wellbeing, cultural development, recreation opportunities, and underpin the development of cohesive communities, are also needed.”.

Ms Madew said the North also needed better data.

“To support this, we are considering options for a new Northern Australia Infrastructure Audit to help assess data adequacy, identify gaps and prioritise future needs,” she said. “Active and inclusive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation is also fundamental to developing Northern Australia.

“We need to develop new governance and engagement strategies that actively involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in planning and decision making.

“We also call for significant infrastructure investment in First Nations communities to improve wellbeing and facilitate economic participation.

“Along with this, private sector development should offer formal pathways to support greater economic participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Taken together, we believe these reform focus areas will help Northern Australia reach its full potential and guarantee its future prosperity.”