July 14, 2014

NSW infrastructure the focus of SMART supported parliamentary forum

UOW researchers have contributed to a key paper on Australia's infrastructure future published by the NSW Public Accounts Committee.

The report follows on from the NSW Infrastructure for the 22nd Century forum, which was held on 9 May with the support of University of Wollongong’s SMART Infrastructure Facility.

Key academic and industry leaders attended the forum at NSW Parliament House, allowing Members of Parliament and others the opportunity to explore the issue of long-term infrastructure planning and delivery and discuss vital issues with a range of infrastructure experts.

Ahead of the forum, PAC Chair Jonathan O’Dea said providing the right infrastructure is the bedrock of future growth and prosperity.

“We owe it to following generations to look beyond the next election cycle,” he said.

“It is essential that we understand this challenge, which must be addressed now to secure our future long-term prosperity.”

CEO of the SMART Infrastructure Facility, Garry Bowditch said, “by planning and establishing a clear framework for infrastructure provision, we can focus early on delivering the services which will effectively and efficiently meet customer expectations.”

“Our task is to avoid the pitfalls of trying to predict the future of NSW and Sydney in the 22nd Century. Instead we have to ensure that the right building blocks for growth are in place so we can adapt and thrive in whatever circumstances the future throws at us.”

The Planning NSW Infrastructure For the Twenty-Second Century report is now available online: http://bit.ly/NSWInfrastrcture.

Further information about SMART and the Green Paper ‘Infrastructure Imperatives for Australia,’ which was released prior to the PAC led forum, can be obtained at: http://smart.uow.edu.au/index.html.