1.1
Transport connectivity is one of the pressing issues of the 21st Century. Australia is facing challenges of growing populations, urban congestion, changing patterns of settlement and the need for enhanced accessibility to employment and markets. These challenges need new and innovative solutions to the development of transport infrastructure. Solutions must also be found for integrating transport and land-use planning, financing transport infrastructure, and putting in place effective governance structures.
1.2
In considering these issues, this inquiry has used a range of evidence from expert witnesses and stakeholder organisations. The Committee received evidence from all levels of government, and industry.
1.3
This inquiry has looked at the need for improved transport connectivity in urban and regional settings, including the potential for high speed rail to act as a catalyst for economic and social transformation.
1.4
It has also examined the economic benefits—the wealth creation—that comes from improved transport connectivity. The inquiry considered how value capture might be used to harness this newly created wealth and generate transport connectivity.
Conduct of the inquiry
1.5
This inquiry commenced towards the end of the 44th Parliament and lapsed with the dissolution of Parliament on 9 May 2016. It was re-referred at the beginning of the 45th Parliament.
1.6
Immediately after referral in the 44th Parliament, the Committee called for submissions through the Parliament of Australia’s website. The Inquiry was also promoted through a mail out to interested parties.
1.7
Over the course of the Inquiry, the Committee received 76 submissions. A list of submissions is at Appendix A. Other publications, documents and supplementary material were received during the Inquiry as exhibits. A list of exhibits is at Appendix B.
1.8
In addition, the Committee undertook a program of public hearings. Between February and April 2016 the Inquiry held eight public hearings, including four interstate. In October 2016, the two further hearings were held in Canberra and Sydney. Details of the public hearings, including a list of witnesses, are at Appendix C.
Structure of the Report
1.9
Chapter 2 examines the broad benefits of improved transport connectivity, its implications for urban and regional development, and the potential role of high speed rail not only in improving transport connectivity but also its potential to achieve economic and social transformation by rebalancing the pattern of settlement in south-eastern Australia.
1.10
Chapter 3 looks at one of the purposes and outcomes of improved transport connectivity—the creation of value. Transport nodes and corridors affect the utility and value of the property around them, and provide an opportunity to use this increase in value to fund the development of the infrastructure—value capture.
1.11
Chapter 4 examines planning, funding and governance. It canvasses the need for integrated transport and land-use planning; the need to protect infrastructure corridors; the need for greater coordination between levels of government in the areas of planning and funding; the possibility for hypothecation of revenue towards transport infrastructure development; and the potential coordination of procurement of vehicles and rolling stock for different transport infrastructure projects.
1.12
Chapter 5 focusses on value capture—what it is, the benefits that may flow from it, and different forms of value capture that may be applied in infrastructure procurement.