BLOG: infrastructure

Developer Levies drive up land prices

10 November 2011 MELBOURNE:- The Growth Corridor Plan announced by the Baillieu Government presents Melbourne with big challenges. How to pay for the massive infrastructure needed is front and centre - and unmentioned in the Plan. “Demand for new and better transport...

No Reform – Paradise Postponed

photo credit: Steve - wants a job at Chester ZooMELBOURNE and CANBERRA:- Australians had high hopes the Tax Forum would herald the end of taxes that distort and diminish economic activity as Ken Henry recommended. Sadly, these hopes have been dashed, says Prosper...

Rethink that Fire Insurance Levy, Mr Premier

  30 August 2011 MELBOURNE:- Massive hikes to the Fire Services Levy are a very poor way to fund bushfire preparations, says Prosper Australia. “While this move may appear sensible, if insurance premiums in fire-prone areas rise to the $1,000 mentioned in the...

Land greed drives Arab fury

Arab cities lack even the basic facilities we take for granted in the West. The royals live alongside. Their giant palaces nestle in irrigated manicured gardens surrounded by high walls and efficient security.

Grand Sale! Grand Sale! Grand Sale!

The Australian Government is about to sell real estate worth billions.  It is a matter of critical economic importance that they get it right. Up for sale is radio spectrum for mobile phones and data signals for the next fifteen years. This is real estate as rare and...

Port of Portland: sunk

Portland (pop. 10,000) remains seriously underdeveloped. While the rest of the state has grown by leaps and bounds, Portland sleeps. Its laggard status should be a matter of considerable concern to all Victorians.

Can a tax be beautiful?

The Senate Select Committee on New Taxes is pondering the implications of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax, holding a hearing yesterday in Perth. Here is a new tax measure that, even diluted for the election, will still raise over $10 billion a year. This is a beautiful...