The list serves as an independent, evidence-based roadmap to address Australia’s most pressing infrastructure gaps while unlocking significant economic opportunities. The 2026 IPL focuses on projects across five priority pillars: high-productivity freight, port connectivity, urban transport, water security, and the transition to a net-zero economy.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY FREIGHT NETWORKS
Australia’s freight networks face rising pressures from increasing freight volumes, shifting supply chains and the need for greater interoperability, compounded by ageing infrastructure and the integration of new technologies to improve safety and efficiency. Targeted investment over the next decade should prioritise system‑level coordination to boost capacity, resilience and connectivity across freight corridors and intermodal terminals, while accelerating decarbonisation and encouraging a shift from road to rail to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s supply chains.
PORTS CAPACITY AND CONNECTIVITY
Australia’s maritime ports and airports face mounting pressures from rapid trade growth and changing global shipping trends. These challenges are compounded by the need to modernise infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency and support the energy transition. Targeted investment over the next 10 years will remove capacity constraints and maintain Australia’s maritime and aviation industry competitiveness and resilience.
HIGH CAPACITY TRANSPORT FOR GROWING CITIES
Commuter and freight traffic is expected to grow substantially over coming decades, placing increasing pressure on Australia’s transport networks. Supporting this growth will require new and expanded high capacity public transport, alongside targeted road upgrades that enable access to new housing and freight corridors. Investments in rail, light rail, rapid bus and zero-emissions bus fleets will be needed to improve productivity, support liveability and meet national housing and net zero emissions commitments.
SECURE, SUSTAINABLE WATER FOR GROWTH
Australia’s growing population, expanding industries, shifting climate and ageing water assets are increasing pressure on urban, regional and remote water systems, requiring sustained investment in secure, reliable and climate resilient water infrastructure. Targeted investment over the next 10 years needs to focus on strengthening supply reliability, modernising critical water and wastewater infrastructure and improving water security for regional and remote communities.
DELIVERING NET ZERO AND A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
Australia’s transition to net zero will require a rapid scale-up of renewable energy generation, transmission and storage, supported by enabling infrastructure and the decarbonisation of construction and transport. Over the next decade, governments should invest in networks, generation, storage, and enabling infrastructure, while decarbonising supply chains for materials like steel and concrete and supporting transport electrification. Strong public private collaboration and sustained investment will be essential to deliver clean, affordable energy and position Australia as a net zero leader.
According to Infrastructure Australia CEO Adam Copp, the blueprint provides the confidence and clarity the Australian government needs to invest in projects that strengthen national liveability and sustainability.
“These priority areas ensure there are clear objectives and benefits for the nation in the Australian government investing in these proposals,” Copp said. “Whether it involves upgrading key freight links to boost Australia’s trade competitiveness or exploring new public transport connections that could improve mobility, unlock housing and create jobs – each proposal has the potential to materially improve the nation’s productivity, liveability and sustainability.”
A key feature of the 2026 list is its dual focus on immediate needs and long-term planning. By maintaining a pipeline of projects that align with the market’s actual capacity to deliver, the IPL aims to avoid bottlenecks in the construction sector.
While inclusion on the IPL is a significant milestone, it does not guarantee immediate funding. Instead, it serves as a primary filter for the Australian government’s investment decisions.