Happy New Year

2015 was a landmark year for Infrastructure Australia, and 2016 is shaping up to be just as important.

The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government has issued a new Statement of Expectations to Infrastructure Australia for 1 November 2015 to 30 June 2017. We responded to the Minister with our new Statement of Intent, which I am pleased to release publicly today.

The Statement of Intent outlines how we will provide independent research and high quality advice to all levels of government, as well as investors and owners of infrastructure, on Australia's requirements for nationally significant infrastructure.

Our focus for the future will continue to be to strengthen our collaborative relationships with you and your organisation, and provide policy leadership on infrastructure challenges.

After the release last year of our two infrastructure audit reports, the Northern Australia Audit and the Australian Infrastructure Audit,  this year we will  be completing consultation on the 15 year Australian Infrastructure Plan (the Plan) and launching it publicly.

The Plan will be informed by the outcomes of the Audits, and of the submissions that we received. We anticipate the Plan will provide a reinvigorated attention on the reform agenda needed to secure the benefits of growth and enhance Australia's quality of life.

The Plan will be grouped under four key themes:

• productive cities and regions
• efficient infrastructure markets
• sustainable and equitable infrastructure
• better decision making and delivery.

In addition to the Plan, we will also be releasing a refreshed Infrastructure Priority List (IPL). The IPL will allow governments across Australia to prioritise projects and initiatives that have been carefully considered to address nationally significant problems and enhance productivity.

I would like to thank you all for your contribution last year. I look forward to working with you in another productive year ahead.

Philip Davies, CEO