The Federal Government has released a major review that identifies potential new ways for local governments to plan, finance and deliver infrastructure investments.

 

Releasing the report at the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra, Federal Minister for Local Government, Simon Crean said the review will ensure the country will be more effective in meeting the infrastructure needs through closer partnerships with local government bodies.

 

"Nation-building does require big investment in infrastructure, but that can't be done by governments alone we need partnerships between governments, and where appropriate, with the private sector," Mr Crean said.

 

"That message has also been backed by other recent reports including the Business Council of Australia and our Government's Infrastructure Finance Working Group.

 

"Infrastructure and skills are the constraints to growth and that is why we have to find creative new ways to overcome those constraints.

 

"The future infrastructure needs of the nation can be met if we develop the partnerships, and as recommended in this report, consider new financial instruments.”

 

Mr Crean said the Ernst and Young report recommends a number of financial instruments to address these issues and argues for a national authority capable of addressing the capability and aggregation functions along with appropriate financial instruments.

 

The full report is available online at www.regional.gov.au