The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has called for nominations for the inaugural Australian Smart Infrastructure Awards for innovative, technology-driven solutions to infrastructure bottlenecks and urban congestion. Minister Albanese's announcement of the Awards, and the Award Guidelines can be found at www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2010/March/AA108_2010.as…

The Awards will recognise project excellence in design, delivery, and use of infrastructure in any of Infrastructure Australia's national priority areas, including the rail freight, water and urban development:

• The Australian Smart Infrastructure Project Award will go to an innovative technology based project.
• The Australian Smart Infrastructure Research Award will provide a $25,000 grant for an innovative proposal supporting excellence in smart infrastructure research and development.

Further detail on Infrastructure Australia's priority areas can be found in the publication: National Infrastructure Priorities.

Nominations must be sent by email to smartawards@infrastructure.gov.au and close on Friday 14 May 2010.

For further information please call the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government on 02 6274 7111.