The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has called for policy changes to streamline and speed up infrastructure projects to ensure that Australia’s infrastructure keeps pace with the nation’s needs.
The BCA’s Building Australia’s Tomorrow report details a comprehensive roadmap and calls for changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).
The report sets out four priority areas for reform and investment.
According to the BCA, investment decisions should be guided by evidence-based business cases. There should also be stronger private sector partnerships, where governments leverage private capital through proven models such as asset recycling.
It further recommends that the EPBC Act is reformed with the aim of more efficient and streamlined approvals. Road funding and health service delivery must also be modernised.
“Whether it’s housing, renewable energy, health and care services or technology infrastructure, the EPBC system is delaying investment into projects we need for the future,” BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said.
The report also highlights the importance of supporting the energy transition, digital infrastructure rollout and AI-enabled industry. It also outlines the importance of better utilising existing infrastructure.
The Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia welcomed the BCA report and its practical roadmap to deliver infrastructure with fewer bottlenecks and improved productivity.
CCAA Chief Executive Michael Kilgariff said the report sets out sensible actions for governments.
“The Business Council of Australia has added its voice to our calls for state-specific heavy construction material plans to give the construction sector long-term certainty,” Kilgariff said.
