Billions Committed to Boost Infrastructure in Australia's Growth Areas

The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) has long advocated for stronger infrastructure investment in Australia’s fastest-growing outer suburban communities - areas where residents are heavily reliant on cars and endure some of the longest commutes in the nation.

This federal election campaign, we are seeing major wins for growth areas, with both major parties recognising the urgent need to invest in the roads, rail, and community infrastructure that support liveability, economic productivity, and the next wave of Australia's housing growth.

Recent commitments announced include:

Federal Infrastructure Commitments for Growth Areas

• Western Highway, Victoria: $1.1 billion (Labor)
• Kwinana Freeway, Western Australia: $350 million (WA Labor) for additional lanes
• South West Sydney to Western Sydney Airport Rail Corridor, New South Wales: $1 billion (bipartisan commitment)
• Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade, New South Wales: $1 billion (bipartisan commitment)
• Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Victoria: $6.5 billion (Coalition)
• Mickleham Road Duplication, Victoria: $250 million (Federal and State Labor Governments)
• Donnybrook Road Upgrades, Victoria: $192 million (Coalition) and $125 million (Federal and State Governments)
• South-Eastern Freeway and Mount Barker/​Verdun Interchange, South Australia: $220 million (Labor)

Further strengthening their infrastructure commitments, the Coalition has also pledged to reinstate the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program if elected — a critical source of funding that supports essential upgrades and community projects across outer suburban regions.

Advocacy Pays Off for Growth Areas
These announcements demonstrate the growing recognition among decision-makers of the unique challenges and opportunities in Australia’s growth areas. NGAA’s sustained advocacy - backed by research, data, and the voices of our member councils - has been instrumental in securing these vital investments.

However, the work doesn’t stop here. Continued recognition of outer metropolitan growth areas as regions requiring targeted, ongoing investment will be critical to building thriving, well-connected communities for the future.

At NGAA, we will continue to champion the needs of growth area communities and ensure they receive the infrastructure, services, and opportunities they deserve.

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