Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss released the report at the Tourism and Transport Forum Leadership Summit in Canberra last Wednesday.
"Trends draws together facts and figures that have not before been published in one document," Truss said.
"It provides analysis and forecasts of the most significant impacts on the infrastructure and transport sector, drawing on research by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, along with information from other government and industry sources.
"The Australian government is getting on with the business of linking infrastructure financing, investment and reform with productivity.
"Mapping Australia's infrastructure direction has never been more important. We are an infrastructure government that is determined to boost Australia's productivity and competitiveness."
Truss said Trends outlined a solid evidence base on the pressures affecting Australia's infrastructure needs. He said it reported that over the next two decades:
- The number of trucks on Australian roads will increase by 50 per cent, rail freight by two-thirds and shipping containers through Australian ports will double
- International and domestic travel through Australian capital city airports will almost double
- Technology will play a significant role in meeting the transport task, while also improving safety
"Trends shows that pressures on our infrastructure continue to grow," Truss said.
"It reports that Australia needs to position itself to capitalise on growth and increased investment due to a burgeoning population and increasing international demand for our goods and services.
"It will be up to all governments and industry to ensure the right policies, initiatives and programs are in place to manage demand, capitalise on opportunities and strengthen Australia's international competitiveness."
