New data released today shows Victoria’s engineering construction activity leads the nation, jumping almost 50 per cent in the past 12 months.
The Andrews Labor Government’s record infrastructure investment has seen Victoria’s engineering construction activity soar 48.7 per cent in the past year, and 19.2 per cent across the March quarter – the highest in the nation.
In comparison, the new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show national activity increased by just 13.7 per cent and 2.8 per cent in the quarter respectively.
Victoria’s boost in activity was primarily driven by the construction of bridges, railways and harbours, which increased by a massive 69.3 per cent in the March quarter and 165.1 per cent over the year.
Construction of roads, highways and subdivisions also increased considerably – 33.6 per cent in the March quarter and 60.2 per cent over the year.
The total value of Victoria’s engineering construction activity was $14.7 billion in the year to the March quarter –the highest value on record for the state.
Additionally, Government infrastructure investment is forecast to average $10.1 billion per year over the next four years. In the coming year alone, $78.9 billion of state capital projects will commence or be underway.
The Labor Government’s infrastructure investment is expected to support the creation of more than 75,000 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Every time we build a school, dig a tunnel or open a hospital – it means jobs for Victorians. We’ll keep building to keep this jobs creation momentum going.”
“More than 347,000 jobs have already been created since the Andrews Labor Government was elected. That’s almost a 12 per cent increase – more than anywhere else in Australia during the same time.”
“Since 2014, Victoria has contributed more than a third of the nation’s total employment growth. More than 45,000 of these jobs have been created in regional Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020