Building Australia’s future
Building Australia’s cities
Australia’s biggest capital cities — particularly Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — felt pressure from rapid population growth over the last decade. To accommodate for this, the Morrison Government funded more than 900 major infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of key freight routes to connect regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs. These projects were just some of many under the Morrison Government – boosting jobs, creating much-needed infrastructure and strengthening the economy.
A key stake in the Commonwealth’s engagement was through City Deals. City Deals took a proactive approach to developing Australia’s cities as a great place to live and work. City Deals included setting a plan for the future of a city and then aligning policy and investments across all levels of government. Catalytic infrastructure investments tied with urban governance and land use reform ensured Australia’s cities remained great places to live, and work. The Morrison Government negotiated City Deals for many hubs, including Townsville, Launceston, Western Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong, and Adelaide.
On 24 September 2018, Prime Minister Morrison announced the commencement of construction for Sydney’s second international airport — the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. This project was underpinned by a $5.3 billion investment from the Commonwealth Government.
Building on this, the Western Sydney City Deal delivered key infrastructure including rail, employment opportunities, and community facilities for the region. Central to the Deal was a $7 billion joint government commitment to Stage 1 of the North-South Rail Link, connecting St Marys to Bradfield Metro Station via the Airport, with completion targeted for 2026.
The deal saw $280 million in new government funding to support infrastructure projects and liveability initiatives, including $15 million in Commonwealth Government funding to speed up planning reforms to support housing supply in Western Sydney.
The Morrison Government prioritised infrastructure investment as a key component of their economic strategy, aiming to bolster Australia's economic resilience and future growth. The Morrison Government committed substantial resources to various projects across the nation, emphasising both immediate job creation and long-term economic benefits.
Building regional Australia
The Morrison Government implemented a comprehensive infrastructure programme aimed at bolstering rural and regional Australia's economic growth, connectivity, and resilience.
The Building Better Regions Fund provided over $1 billion across multiple rounds to fund infrastructure projects that create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger regional communities. The Regional Recovery Partnerships allocated $100 million to support recovery and growth in regions severely impacted by COVID-19, focusing on economic diversification and resilience.
Key road infrastructure initiatives and investments included:
Expanding the rolling 10-year infrastructure pipeline from $110 billion to $120 billion,
A $5.8 billion initiative to improve key freight corridors through the Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative, enhancing connectivity between regional businesses and market, and
$2.5 billion to support local councils in delivering priority road and community infrastructure projects, stimulating local economies and improving safety.
The Morrison Government advanced several major road infrastructure projects, including the Toowoomba Bypass and the Rockhampton Ring Road, alongside ongoing upgrades to the Pacific and Bruce Highways. A key milestone was the completion of the Woolgoolga to Ballina section — a 155 km stretch that finalised the Pacific Highway upgrade — opened to traffic in December 2020.
Port infrastructure was also prioritised to boost trade capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support regional economic growth. Key initiatives included the Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade, the Lumsden Point Development at Port Hedland for new cargo and logistics facilities, and upgrades to the Bajool–Port Alma Road and port access roads in Mackay and Rockhampton.
To enhance regional aviation connectivity, the Morrison Government committed $100 million for safety and accessibility upgrades at regional airports. This was complemented by a $50 million, three-year investment in the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, improving infrastructure critical for services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Building key digital infrastructure
The Morrison Government also championed investment in digital infrastructure, recognising the critical role of technology in modern economies. Initiatives to expand high-speed internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas, were designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Australians were able to participate in the digital economy. By improving broadband infrastructure, the Morrison Government aimed to support businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and enable telehealth services - fostering a more connected and inclusive society. Read more here.
The Morrison Government’s infrastructure investments reflected a comprehensive approach to building a stronger and more resilient Australia. By addressing key areas such as transportation, digital connectivity, energy, and water, the Morrison Government laid the foundation for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for all Australians.
Related media:
1. Press release, Breaking ground on Western Sydney Airport, 24 September 2018: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-41802
2. Press release, Infrastructure to boost jobs and bust congestion, 20 November 2019: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42522
3. Press release, Morrison Government delivers $7.5 billion boost for transport infrastructure across nation, 05 October 2020: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43055
4. Press release, $17.9 billion boost for infrastructure across Australia, 28 March 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43896
