2008 promises to be an exciting time for infrastructure delivery is this country given the keenness and genuine goodwill that exists amongst all levels of government, business groups and the wider community. 

To ensure this opportunity is not missed, a clear and disciplined approach must be taken towards establishing a nation-wide and broadly agreed pipeline of projects that will help address Australia's infrastructure shortfalls.

Open dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors will be crucial for developing the project priority list and for identifying the appropriate funding streams.

"The limitations in Australia's current stock on infrastructure can be squarely addressed if we keep looking for fresh ways to meet the nation's growing needs", according to Mark Birrell, National Leader of the Infrastructure Industry Group at Minter Ellison.

"Australia's infrastructure requirements will be better met if there is more clarity about specific infrastructure shortfalls and the likely list of new major projects; along with law reform in areas like creating national markets for energy and water," says Birrell.

We are delighted to release the publication Infrastructure 2008: An Ambitious Agenda which offers many thoughts and assessments of the key challenges facing Australia's infrastructure industry.

The publication focuses on how Australia can have an active infrastructure agenda and provides a platform for discussion of key issues that will shape the national approach to infrastructure delivery in Australia.

We hope you'll find this publication of interest.

For a copy of the publication or further information please contact Brett Joyce, Business Development Director, Infrastructure and Finance on +61 3 8608 2657, or at brett.joyce@minterellison.com