Infrastructure Minister Bill English has today released details of a $6 billion a year plan to focus on five key priorities.

Broadband, electricity transmission, regulatory reform, roads of national significance and Rugby World Cup 2011 are the government’s five key infrastructure priorities.

In addition, three merging priorities including reviewing the electricity market, agricultural irrigations and better procurement and management of the government’s physical assets.

Mr English said the plan shows the large scale of the government’s infrastructure programme and highlights some future issues that may require action including an additional Auckland harbour crossing in the 10-20 years.

He said he has also increased investment in critical infrastructure including our roads, national grid and broadband.

“This programme is directly supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to a stronger economy, which over time will mean better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families.”

Created by Treasury’s national infrastructure unit, the plan show spending at more than $6 billion a year on physical assets worth $110 billion.

Mr English said the plan has a 20-year horizon and is part of a range of work aimed at improving the government’s planning, decision-making and management of infrastructure in order to maximise economic benefits.

Full details of the infrastructure plan can be found here.