Hey Reader,
Public infrastructure investment is entering a more constrained environment.
Recent State and Federal budget papers show debt and interest costs continuing to rise sharply. Victoria’s net debt is forecast to approach $200 billion by 2029–30, while Commonwealth net debt is projected to reach $767.8 billion over the same period.
For councils, water corporations and infrastructure agencies, this matters because major capital programs are increasingly being assessed through the lens of affordability, customer impact, delivery confidence and public value.
This is particularly relevant for the Victorian water sector as businesses prepare for the next cycle of price submissions and long term capital planning.
The question is no longer simply whether infrastructure is needed.
Decision makers, regulators and funding agencies are increasingly asking:
- Why this investment?
- Why now?
- What options were considered?
- What customer impact will result?
- What public value is created?
- Can it realistically be delivered?
At the same time, several traditional infrastructure funding pathways are tightening, increasing pressure on organisations to prepare stronger investment rationales earlier.
There are still important opportunities emerging around:
- housing enabling infrastructure
- water security and recycled water
- industrial and trunk infrastructure
- climate resilience and disaster readiness
- energy transition and emissions reduction
The organisations best positioned for future funding and approvals are unlikely to be those reacting when rounds open. They will be the ones already prepared with clear investment logic, evidence, sequencing and delivery pathways.
To support that preparation, we’ve developed a practical Enabling Infrastructure Readiness Checklist for councils and water utilities preparing infrastructure and housing enabling projects.
It draws on Grantus’ experience supporting more than $465 million in successful funding outcomes and investment cases across infrastructure, housing, water and regional development projects.
Download the checklist to assess whether your project is likely to be investment ready before the next funding windows emerge.
Good luck,
Simon.