2.1
This chapter outlines some of the key issues discussed during the hearings for the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications portfolio on 22 March 2021.
2.2
The committee heard from the following divisions of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the department) and portfolio agencies:
People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division;
Regional Development, Local Government and Regional Recovery Division;
Major Transport and Infrastructure Projects Division;
Domestic Aviation and Reform Division;
Civil Aviation Safety Authority;
Australian Rail Track Corporation;
Significant Project Investment Delivery Office;
Surface Transport Division;
Infrastructure Australia;
Australian Maritime Safety Authority;
North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority.
2.3
The Portfolio Strategy and Policy Coordination Division and the Territories Division were released during the course of the hearing without providing evidence.
People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication Division
2.4
Evidence heard by the committee regarding the division included:
The ongoing investigations into the Leppington Triangle land purchase;
Departmental staffing levels; and
Departmental advertising spending.
Regional Development, Local Government and Regional Recovery Division
2.5
Discussion with the Regional Development, Local Government and Regional Recovery Division centred around various funds and programs administered by the division including the:
Regional Recovery Partnerships;
Community Development Grants;
Building Better Regions Fund; and
Financial Assistance Grants to local councils.
2.6
The committee also heard evidence regarding other topics including:
Local government involvement in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine;
Local government representation to the national cabinet; and
The Safer Communities Fund.
Major Transport and Infrastructure Projects Division
2.7
The committee received updates on several projects including:
Progress of inland rail construction;
Planning and funding of freight hubs; and
The role played by third parties and the private sector in project funding.
Domestic Aviation and Reform Division
2.8
Discussions with the Domestic Aviation and Reform Division primarily centred on the Tourism and Aviation Reform Package. The committee heard evidence regarding the Tourism Aviation Network Support Measure and the compliance process. Witnesses gave details on the selection process for destinations and regions included in the scheme and the possibility of particular destinations to be added in the future.
2.9
Other topics discussed with the Domestic Aviation and Reform Division include:
The airport security program;
Pilot numbers and training; and
The International Aviation Support Program.
Airservices Australia
2.10
The committee received an update on the activities of the agency including:
Changes to Class E airspace;
Implementation of measures recommended in the 'Broderick report'; and
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
2.11
Discussions with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority included the selection process and timeline for the new Chief Executive Officer and the collection of evidence by the agency for the prosecution in a recent trial.
Australian Rail Track Corporation
2.12
The committee received updates on various aspects of the rail industry including:
Funding of maintenance for the North East Rail Line;
Ongoing budget for the Inland Rail project;
Rail freight competitiveness with coastal trading;
Rail infrastructure upgrades in north East Victoria;
Policy in relation to the purchase of steel for rail; and
Rail noise abatement measures.
Significant Project Investment Delivery Office
2.13
The committee primarily heard evidence detailing the purpose and budget of the office. Witnesses gave evidence that the office was established to look at significant and complex projects with substantial expenditure. Examples given include the intermodal terminals at the top and bottom of the Inland Rail network.
2.14
The committee heard that the office has been setup within the broader department and shares their office space in Canberra. The office received
$8.6 million in funding upon its establishment.
Surface Transport Division
2.15
Topics discussed with the Surface Transport Policy Division include:
The recently announced road safety program, particularly the process for funding of the program;
Consultation on the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030;
Provision of heavy vehicle rest areas; and
Infrastructure Investment Division
2.16
The committee received updates on several projects including the following:
Singleton bypass in New South Wales;
Bunbury faster rail corridor investigation;
Illawarra main road upgrade project in Tasmania;
Tasman Highway sideling upgrade;
Bridgewater Bridge replacement; and
Hobart airport roundabout upgrade.
2.17
Additionally, the committee also heard updates on other topics under the division including the delivery of projects under the Urban Congestion Fund and applications for funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Infrastructure Australia
2.18
The committee received updates on several projects including:
State-by-state priorities listed on the 2021 Infrastructure Australia Priority List;
Priority projects for regional areas; and
The national highway electric vehicle fast charging project.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
2.19
Discussion with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) centred on the current status of the FPSO ship the Northern Endeavour. Witnesses heard evidence from the agency detailing the vessel's transition from the jurisdiction of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources to AMSA
Cities Division
2.20
Topics discussed with the Cities Division include:
Meetings of the Cities references Group;
Delivery of the Tamar estuary river health action plan; and
Future Victorian city deals.
2.21
The committee also heard updates on projects undertaken under the Hobart and Townsville City Deals.
North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority
2.22
The committee received updates on the administration of the agency and projects undertaken including:
The Hells Gates Dam-Web Lake transfer report;
Agency staffing arrangements;
The Western Queensland Irrigation and Agriculture Scheme Assessment project; and
The Hughendon irrigation project.