Budget allocations in the Transport and Infrastructure portfolio have included funding to continue evaluation of the High Speed Rail project and support for National Transport Regulator reforms.

 

The Government will provide $20.0 million over four years to improve national transport planning,  with a particular focus on the High Speed Rail Unit to continue to evaluate a High Speed Rail project on the Eastern seaboard of Australia.

 

$37.9 million will be provided over three years to establish national transport regulators for heavy vehicles, rail safety and maritime safety.

 

The measure includes:

  • $15.6 million over 2011-12 and 2012-13 to establish the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in Queensland;
  • $9.2 million over 2011-12 and 2012-13 to establish the National Rail Safety Regulator in South Australia;
  • $10.1 million over 2012-13 and 2013-14 in capital and expenses to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to develop and purchase a national information system to support its role as the National Maritime Safety Regulator; and
  • $1.0 million in 2011-12 to each of Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory to assist with the costs of implementing the national reforms.