Flights, Rails, and Infrastructure Delays
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Australia’s $80 billion commitment to roads and rail over the next decade has spotlighted the need for a a more strategic approach. The 90-day infrastructure review has revealed[1] ballooning costs and potential project delays, and stands as a call to align infrastructure development with sustainable solutions.The construction sector, facing strain from the rapid expenditure of the $80 billion commitment, is further exacerbated by labour shortages and soaring material costs. A 41% rise in the 10-year federal budget allocation to the Infrastructure Investment Program prompts the need for a recalibration in spending priorities.
So, let’s look to the aviation industry.
The aviation industry is expected to see an increase in CO2 emissions, with growing demand for passenger services. This presents a roadblock for the industry, and individual airlines, to reach net-zero targets. Globally, the aviation sector is responsible for approximately 2.5% of carbon emissions, a figure that may escalate as other industries adopt mature decarbonisation technologies. Notably, domestic aviation emissions in Australia have more than tripled between , and projections indicate a 75% rise in Australian jet fuel demand from 2023 to 2050, further underscoring the urgency and importance of such ambitious commitments . Recognising this trend,the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aviation stands as a crucial component of Australia’s infrastructure. Socially, it connects our distanced populations, with air travel the most practical mode of transportation for many travelling between cities, towns and communities. Commercially, the aviation sector facilitates various essential services, including passenger and cargo transportation, emergency response, medical evacuations, national defence, and search and rescue operations. Australians depend on the aviation industry to maintain connections both within the country and on a global scale, with tourism and trade fundamental components of the nation’s social and economic fabric.
Given our current limited technological solutions for effectively reducing emissions, the aviation sector proves to be a challenging area to decarbonise. There are five primary strategies that can contribute to emissions reduction:
- Enhancing fuel efficiency through the adoption of new fleets and the implementation of more efficient aircraft movements.
- Investigating new propulsion technologies, including battery and fuel cell electric planes, as well as hydrogen combustion.
- Employing carbon offsets.
- Exploring flight alternatives such as high-speed rail.
- Incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into operations.
While the 90-day review into the Infrastructure Investment Program contemplates cuts and delays, the focus shifts toward strategic investments that not only address congestion and economic growth but also adhere to environmental responsibilities, such is grossly needed in aviation.
As the government negotiates with states and evaluates which projects to prioritise, it is crucial to integrate sustainable practices that mitigate the environmental impact while fulfilling infrastructure needs.
While the opposition rightly critiques delays in the infrastructure review, there is an opportunity to advocate for projects that embrace both economic growth and environmental responsibility, and progress a greener and more resilient future.
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