Wider_Economic_Benefits_of_Transport_Projects

Wider Economic Benefits of Transport Projects

SGS was commissioned by the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) to carry out the first phase in an on-going research program. The concept of wider economic benefits has entered the assessment lexicon for Australian transport infrastructure projects in recent years. Wider economic benefits are about the relationship between the density of jobs (agglomeration) and improved economic outcomes (increased Labour Productivity and Human Capital). This relationship can be used to identify external benefits that arise from the provision of transport infrastructure outside the standard transport appraisal. However the evidence base to support wider economic benefits for Australian projects is embryonic.

The research conducted during this project solved a number of the methodological and data issues encountered when assessing the wider economic benefits of transport projects. SGS's work provided input to the Infrastructure Australia prioritisation process.