This is an interesting report produced by Infrastructure Partnership's Australia, obviously with the unstated intent of benefiting constituents of the infrastructure investment industry, but interesting all the same. The report proposes reforms in six key areas of the economy, including:

1. Investment in our people
2. Urban Liveability
3. Freight and transport network expansion
4. Energy security
5. Sustainable water, and
6. Strengthening the communications backbone

On page 5, the report summarizes 10 key recommendations, which presumably are those that IPA feels most strongly about:

1. Appointment of a Commonwealth Minister for Infrastructure and creation of an Office of National Infrastructure Coordination to develop and implement a cohesive and integrated strategy to policy reforms, project identification and delivery.
2. All jurisdictions adopt and utilise streamlined approval process for critical infrastructure that reflects a consistent principle of certainty of project execution and delivery.
3. Establish a central repository of knowledge and skills -- the Commonwealth and each State Government to manage the procurement of projects using a "gateway" process that tests the applicability of traditional procurement and public-private partnerships. This should include an immediate take-up of standardised contracts and commercial principles where possible in all states, that will accelerate speed and quality of procurement for government, reduce bid costs and invite wider participation from industry.
4. For the Commonwealth and state governments to address impediments to better urban liveability and functionality of our cities. This must include a focus on affordable housing, health, justice, sporting, cultural and educational needs of our cities.
5. An industry wide strategy is required to retain existing and attract new skilled and professional workers, from Australia and abroad, to meet the labour demands in designing, procuring, constructing and operating Australia's next round of infrastructure projects.
6. For the States to commit to integrated project plans for land transport with special reference to improved urban transport networks (including completion of ring roads and expansion of public transport capacity).
7. Reform of the national supply chain is urgently needed to augment the efficacy and competitiveness of freight movement to market. The Commonwealth Government in conjunction with the states must implement a national freight vision and plan of action.
8. Full implementation of a true national energy market, commencing with comprehensive restructuring of NSW electricity market. This is an essential step towards securing energy security.
9. To seek the abolition of metropolitan water restrictions by 2012, through new investment in water infrastructure, consistent national approach to water pricing and strong involvement of private sector to bring innovation and risk management skills to the sector.
10. Approve a regulatory framework to facilitate competitive and sustainable market for broadband (Fibre to the Node) rollout within 2-3 years.

Posted by rjorr at December 16, 2007 8:49 PM