Government funding stories
Communities could face stronger local democracy and more equitable funding as a draft review seeks submissions on council reforms.
Skills shortages, cost pressures and red tape are leaving New Zealand contractors wary as vital infrastructure projects come under strain.
Greater use of mass timber in New Zealand buildings is set to get a boost, after the Timber Design Centre named Dr Robert Finch as director.
Councils and opponents remain split as the Government's water overhaul promises public ownership but keeps co-governance in place.
Older spans are under fresh scrutiny as Australasia’s 57,000-plus bridges face heavier traffic, climate stress and overdue maintenance.
South Australia’s push to export renewable energy will add 40,000 tonnes of ammonia a year, backed by GBP £37 million for Port Bonython.
Cheaper freight and fewer truck trips are expected as the terminal links directly to the Port of Melbourne and cuts Monash Freeway congestion.
Funding for 29 climate-protection projects is set to shield regions from flooding and erosion while supporting quarrying jobs.
Better freight services and more reliable trains are set to follow, as the funding also covers new ferries and ageing locomotives.
Construction jobs and council investment could restart quickly, as Auckland submits 73 infrastructure projects for the Government’s stimulus list.
COVID-19-driven revenue losses could force councils to cut infrastructure spending, hurting local economies and slowing recovery.
Long-term upgrades to tracks, trains and ferries could finally be unlocked as the government shifts rail funding away from annual budget battles.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Three-quarters of industry leaders want central and local government to overhaul how they work, amid warnings that infrastructure delivery is lagging.
The OECD says labour productivity has fallen 15 per cent against Australia and other rich economies over 25 years, threatening incomes.
Auckland households are now $96 a week worse off than a decade ago, as soaring housing and transport costs drag New Zealand's cities behind Australia’s.
Affordable housing will remain out of reach unless ministers back new greenfield development and broader planning reform, an expert warns.
Excluding asset recycling from the review could leave councils without a key option to fund roads, water and housing as costs rise.
Councils are reluctant to fund growth infrastructure because central government captures the tax gains, an infrastructure expert says.
High expectations for Australian businesses ahead of the country's Federal Budget 2021-2022, says Xero survey. 27% want more support.