Budget infrastructure boost to help tradies

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The Federal Government has made an additional $15.2 million commitment to infrastructure projects in the latest Federal Budget. “Builders and tradies will strongly back the budget. It will boost the confidence of the industry that the recovery can continue to largely ride on the ute’s back,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said.

As part of the spend, $2 billion will go towards the Great Western Highway Upgrade—Katoomba to Lithgow, $2 billion will be invested in a new Melbourne Intermodal Terminal and $400 million will go towards additional funding for the Bruce Highway.

Other projects that receive additional funding include the METRONET: Hamilton Street/Wharf Street Grade Separations and Elevation of Associated Stations in WA, the Truro Bypass in South Australia, the National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase 2) in the Northern Territory, and Bass Highway Safety and Freight Efficiency Upgrades.

This funding comes in addition to the Federal Government’s existing investment into projects such as the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, Sydney Metro, and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

“The investment of an additional $15 billion in the nation’s infrastructure will play a vital role not only in completing the economic recovery but underpinning a strong economy into the future. This will be complemented by the $250 million for infrastructure for regional communities to be delivered by the Building Regions Fund,” said Ms Wawn.