Australia has had a long and rich history of successfully
delivering and managing infrastructure. We have a right to be proud
of the innovative design, financing and operation of key economic
and social infrastructure.
Our progress as a nation has been
dependent upon the effective provision and operation of these
assets, as they are fundamental to economic growth and quality of
life. It is a story that deserves to be told and this publication,
To Build a Nation, does it well.
The book is the result of a
far-reaching effort to record the Australian experience of private
infrastructure investment and Public Private Partnerships.
To Build a Nation focuses on our
infrastructure successes over the past 20 years, the lessons
accumulated along the way, the new models emerging and the
challenges that lie ahead. It captures the thinking of some of the
leading industry participants and observers, and helps chart the
way forward.
All of this is against a backdrop of
the unique challenges our nation faces in meeting its
infrastructure needs: everything from developing our urban
communities along the booming eastern seaboard through to meeting
the resource development opportunities in the west.
Clearly we need partnerships between
the private sector and governments to get things done. There is
room for optimism here, as collaboration between these two sectors
has never been more focused and productive.
It is also clear that Australia will
have to keep working hard to maintain its place as a world leader
in the development and financing of new infrastructure that
services community needs. The global competition for capital and
skills is aggressive and will only intensify as emerging economies,
such as China and India, continue to blossom.
Domestically, there is a yearning for
the next wave of infrastructure that will sustain our economic
prosperity. Our capital cities, in particular, are expanding
rapidly and present a challenge to governments trying to meet
legitimate community expectations.
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia
(IPA) is playing its role by using regular policy forums, research
projects, advocacy and networking opportunities. It provides a
platform for all stakeholders to chart new policy directions,
promote best practice and enhance the quality of infrastructure and
public services.
Importantly, IPA and its members
understand the need to engage in the public debate and give the
community confidence in the private sector's role in planning,
delivering and operating critical infrastructure. The publication
of To Build a Nation and our support for the work of publisher
ETN-COM is the latest leg in our work.
This book highlights the capacity of
the private sector to service public aspirations - for strong and
integrated transport systems, frontline social infrastructure such
as schools and hospitals, and critical supply networks such as
water and energy.
It is a publication that deserves to be
read and discussed by a wide audience. Congratulations to the
editorial board, the editorial and production team, and all the
contributors on the quality of the publication. I applaud their
efforts and, in doing so, commend the book to you.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Mark Birrell
Chairman
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia
www.infrastructure.org.au
