in 2010 the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund was introduced to partially offset (up to 15%) the cost of new ‘essential state-funded’ infrastructure in growth areas on Melbourne’s fringe. This paper examines the GAIC fund and within this, its use for public transport – towards which 50% of GAIC funds are to be directed.

Drawing on experiences from research and professional practice, in Australia and internationally, this paper considers the potential for traditional urban travel demand models and Decision Support Tools to be combined within a more complementary process of planning, evaluating, and selecting urban infrastructure projects.

In a market-led proposal (MLP), the private sector makes an unsolicited approach to government for support to deliver infrastructure or services through direct negotiation, rather than a competitive procurement process. This audit examines whether MLPs are assessed in accordance with government requirements.

This paper argues that with rapid population growth, Australia’s infrastructure backlog can only increase. There can never be enough decentralisation, planning or investment to enable infrastructure to keep pace with increasing demands.

This paper sets out goals, markers of success and key components of Australia’s infrastructure system, to help discussions between public and private partners on how to jointly improve outcomes for Australians.