Investment in the nation’s infrastructure surged to record levels during the first term of the current Federal Labor Government, yet further proof we’re delivering on our nation building agenda.

This is one of the key findings contained in the inaugural Australian Infrastructure Statistics Yearbook which I released today at CEDA’s 2011 Infrastructure Challenges forum.

Compared to the last full year (2006-07) of the former Howard Government, total infrastructure investment in 2009-10 was 40 per cent higher in real terms, driven largely by much greater spending by all levels of government on the nation’s roads, railways, power stations and water storage facilities.

Indeed public sector investment in infrastructure now stands at record levels.

Between 2006-07 and 2009-10, investments by governments across Australia, particularly as a result of the Gillard Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, rose across the board, most notably in the following areas of infrastructure construction:

TRANSPORT

Roads and bridges: up 35 per cent;

Railways: up 85 per cent;

Ports and harbours: up 315 per cent.

ENERGY

Generators and pipelines: up 37 per cent.

WATER

Water storage and supply: up 207 per cent;

Sewage and drainage: up 82 per cent.

Based on these latest figures, it is clear the national leadership we’re providing, the reforms we’re instituting through Infrastructure Australia and the investments we’re making are turning around more than a decade of neglect.

As well as supporting local jobs and growth during the recent global recession, the unprecedented capital works programs being rolled out by the nation’s governments will make our communities better places to live and our economy more productive.

Compiled by my Department’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, a full copy of the Australian Infrastructure Statistics Yearbook can be downloaded from www.bitre.gov.au.