Majority of Australians unhappy with pace of infrastructure improvements
Our new study with Ipsos involving 22,000 citizens globally shows Australians calling for faster net zero investment
Most (58%) Australians agree that “as a country we are not doing enough to meet our infrastructure needs”, according to the latest major study of public attitudes towards infrastructure investment from GIIA and Ipsos.
Six out of ten (60%) believe that the country’s infrastructure is insufficiently adapted to deal with climate change. Australians flag solar power as their number one priority area for investment outside of new housing supply. Four in ten (46%) name it as a top priority, alongside the local road network (38%), flood defences (35%) and rail infrastructure (34%)
Only four out of ten (40%) are satisfied with the state of the country’s infrastructure.
The global survey of 22,000 citizens across 31 countries shows the satisfaction level across Australia is significantly below that in emerging economies such as Chile (49%), Mexico (51%) and Thailand (52%).
GIIA Chief Executive Jon Phillips said: “Achieving net zero goals presents both the greatest infrastructure investment opportunity and challenge of our age.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in Australia, where a historic reliance on fossil fuels for economic growth is now being supplanted by a zeal for renewable energy such as solar. But much more investment is needed.
“The government’s green pledges in its latest Budget are welcome. It must now build on these positive announcements with a recognition that public funding alone is insufficient for states and territories to achieve net zero goals.
“Well-procured projects based on well-structured deals with infrastructure investors can enable private finance to play its part alongside public funding to deliver more renewable energy sources and achieve net zero goals faster and better.”
Where paying for infrastructure investment is concerned, the majority (64%) of Australians agree that the cost of new investment should be spread evenly across current and future taxpayers.
A similar proportion (63%) agree that “we are not building the infrastructure we need quickly enough”. But a greater proportion (66%) also say that local communities should be consulted on infrastructure development plans, even if doing so means delays.
Australian frustration with speed of delivery is especially noticeable in sectors such as EV charging, with just 28% of Australians positive about the country’s infrastructure.
Through its Budget for this year, the Australian government ramped up efforts to establish the country as “a renewable energy superpower”, dedicating another $4bn to development of renewable energy capacity across the country.