The Business Council of Australia said today a report released today by CEDA examining widespread shortfalls in infrastructure planning and coordination underlined the imperative for a new approach by federal and state governments on the issue.

BCA Chief Executive, Ms Katie Lahey, said the CEDA report’s findings and recommendations mirrored many of the issues outlined in the BCA’s recently released analysis of problems in key infrastructure areas such as water, energy and transport.

Ms Lahey said the BCA endorsed CEDA’s recommendations that federal and state governments must come together in a more constructive and coordinated way.

“The CEDA report underlines again the high priority which business has given to solving Australia’s infrastructure problems,” Ms Lahey said.

“Addressing the shortfalls and bottlenecks through better planning and coordination between state and federal governments is fundamental.

“Appropriate levels of funding are important, but the most important policy priority in addressing infrastructure shortfalls is getting the signals right for investment.