in taking advantage of these opportunities; the skill shortage in the country. “There’s an appetite, but the risk is not being able to build the infrastructure because we have very low unemployment rates,” Simon Kuestenmacher, co-founder of The Demographics Group, said. “We’re racing to create enough workers.
He noted that as many job losses were reported from industries like manufacturing, last year, and as a result here is a national need for projects like fast rail since they would generate opportunities to up skill many workers. He referred to the example of a lower-skill forklift driver who could be moved into better quality jobs in construction. This would remove the burden off Australia’s pension system, while the benefits of the infrastructure itself would be significant. “If this was to eventuate and if most workers were to be trained in Australia then this would solve so many problems at once,” Kuestenmacher said.
In terms of projects such as fast rail, the key is political will to move forward. The government of the state of Victoria has already announced plans for a faster rail corridor between Melbourne and Geelong, which will eventually bring the journey time down to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also expressed interest in a possible high speed rail project in state. “I’m always optimistic about our ability to have interstate faster rail but it would involve the Federal Government and a number of state jurisdictions and that could take some time,” she said. “But if we can show in NSW what’s possible and what’s feasible and how we can manage it in the balance sheet, perhaps that will inspire others,” she said.
One of the main challenges involved is linked to the fact that fast rails run through many jurisdictions, which means the planning process could involve consultation and approvals from many local government, state and federal authorities. Nevertheless, Kuestenmacher remains optimistic. “There’s a real likelihood for fast rail to eventuate, if the money comes in and politicians are more willing,” he said. “I’m quite optimistic that this time around, this could work.”
