The Government of Australia has revealed plans to invest approximately A$100bn ($71.16bn) on various infrastructure projects over the next decade with a focus on road and rail projects.

The allocation of A$100bn, as announced by the government in its 2019-20 budget, is nearly 30% more than the A$75bn proposed in last year’s budget.

This investment includes an increase of A$3bn for the Urban Congestion Fund taking it to $4bn, a A$2.2bn Road Safety Package along with an additional A$1bn for the next phase of the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.

Additionally, the government has also allocated A$2bn to help deliver fast rail from Geelong to Melbourne.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said that the infrastructure plan is designed to help manage Australia’s growing population, meet the national freight challenge, and improve road safety.

McCormack said: “Our investment builds on generation-defining projects already underway, including the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the Inland Rail and the long-overdue Melbourne Airport Rail link.

“The state will also receive $2bn for Melbourne-to-Geelong fast-rail, as well as A$700m for the South Geelong-to-Warun Ponds rail.”

“Since 2013-14 we have committed over A$145bn to new and upgraded road and rail projects across Australia, creating more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. The 2019–20 Budget sees additional funding for major projects in every state and territory,” McCormack added.

With A$7.3bn allocation, the New South Wales emerged as the biggest beneficiary in the latest budget.

The federal government has allocated A$1.6bn for M1 Pacific Motorway extension, A$500m for the Princes Highway, additional funding of A$496m for roads of strategic importance. It also secured A$3.5bn for Western Sydney rail project.

Victoria has been given A$1.1bn for suburban road upgrades, A$360m for the final stage of the Western Highway duplication, around A$400m from the Urban Congestion Fund along with A$490m for roads of strategic importance.

The state will also receive $2bn for Melbourne-to-Geelong fast-rail, as well as A$700m for the South Geelong-to-Warun Ponds rail.

The allocation of Queensland includes A$800m for the Gateway Motorway upgrade, A$425m for the Bruce Highway, A$320m for the Warrego Highway, along with A$379m from the Urban Congestion Fund and almost A$1bn for roads of strategic importance.

The budget has allocated A$2.2bn for road safety funding, including the establishment of a new national Office of Road Safety.