News | 03 September

Australian Infrastructure Plan Charts a Positive Reform Agenda for Civil Construction Australia’s peak voice for the civil construction industry, the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF), has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s Australian Infrastructure Plan and has encouraged governments to work with industry to deliver on much needed reforms.


“The release of Australian Infrastructure Plan comes at a pivotal time for Australia, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on our community, our economy and our way of life,” said Chris Melham, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Contractors Federation National.


“The Australian Infrastructure Plan provides a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to maximise the benefits of the Federal Government’s $110 billion Infrastructure Program, as well as the infrastructure investment programs being delivered at the state and territory level.


“I welcome the positive reforms set out in the Plan aimed at strengthening the infrastructure sector and building its capacity.


“CCF also acknowledges Infrastructure Australia’s engagement with industry to develop the Plan, and I am pleased to note that the Plan picks up on many of the critical reforms identified by the civil construction industry.


“These include a more coordinated infrastructure project pipeline, strengthening industry and government collaboration on infrastructure projects, and improving procurement processes.


“In particular, a strong theme emanating from the Plan is the need for greater collaboration between industry and government to better manage project risks, and we look forward to working with jurisdictions to progress this much needed reform.


“CCF’s submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Federal Infrastructure Procurement highlighted this as a key challenge, and I am glad Infrastructure Australia has acknowledged this as a reform priority.

“The Plan also notes the volatility of investment in infrastructure, as well as investment increasingly being targeted towards major projects.


“This underlines the need for procurement policies that support project disaggregation to provide greater opportunities for tier 2 and 3 companies to tender for projects, including through joint venture arrangements.”


In conclusion, Mr Melham said “Since the outbreak of the pandemic, CCF has consistently highlighted the importance of civil construction investment and reform as key measures to combat the economic effects of COVID-19. I commend the nation’s independent infrastructure advisor on delivering a positive roadmap that will help industry and government to deliver on these important objectives.”


For further information: Mr Duncan Sheppard, CCF National Executive Officer, 0438 330 039

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