The historic shortfall in public infrastructure, compounded by the current upheaval in the financial markets presents an unprecedented challenge for Australia's governments and the private sector. But, with the right level of coordination and discipline, Australia is capable of attracting a mix of funding and delivery ideas that will strengthen the stock of national infrastructure and steer the economy towards recovery and longer term productivity.  Against this backdrop, Minter Ellison is pleased to release the second edition of its major thought leadership publication Infrastructure 2009: Delivering Transport Solutions in Challenging Times. The publication features a number of articles by our national infrastructure team, as well as The Hon. Anthony Albanese Minister for Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government and Paul Little, Managing Director, Toll Holdings.

The publication helps to address a great challenge that faces today's policy makers: how to deliver expanded and more effective transport facilities and services at a time of economic downturn.

"Investing public funds in infrastructure is certainly a prudent and responsible way to inject money into the economy", according to Mark Birrell, National Leader of the Infrastructure Industry Group at Minter Ellison.

"It delivers badly needed, short-term outcomes in terms of employment and liquidity, but it also ensures solid long-term returns from investing in future productivity and economic growth," said Mark.

We hope the publication will provide a valuable platform for thoughtful discussion amongst both public and private sector participants on the right national approach to infrastructure delivery in Australia given today's challenging economic climate.

Please click here to download a copy of the publication.