"We want both industry and the community to be our partners in the long term effort to fix and modernise the nation's critical economic infrastructure: our roads; railways; ports; water and energy utilities; and telecommunications," said Mr Albanese.

"I urge the community to take this opportunity to have their say. After all, the quality of the nation's infrastructure affects the bottom line of all businesses and the quality of life of all citizens.

"But in making a submission we are asking people to look beyond their own street or neighbourhood and to put forward ideas and suggestions that will strengthen the national economy.

"We as a government do not believe that we have a monopoly on all the good ideas for Australia's future."

Sir Rod Eddington said one of the goals of Infrastructure Australia is to facilitate public discussion of how the nation can better plan, finance, build and use major infrastructure.

"We have indications that members of the community, including people working in industry and government, have both ideas and information potentially of great value to our work," said Sir Rod Eddington.

"Continuing investment by both the public and private sectors must be based on a sound understanding of strategic national priorities including economic, social, and environmental considerations.

"With this in mind, I will tomorrow release a discussion paper to stimulate both public and private conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Infrastructure Australia's immediate tasks are to conduct an audit of the nation's transport, energy, communications and water infrastructure; produce an Infrastructure Priority List to guide future public and private investment decisions; and develop nationally consistent guidelines for Public Private Partnerships.

Infrastructure Australia is also in a position to provide advice on the harmonisation of policies and regulations relating to investment in and use of nationally significant infrastructure.

The discussion paper calls for evidence-based submissions to inform each of these tasks. Submissions should be no more than 15 pages and sent to mail@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au with "Submission" in the subject field.

Although email is preferred, submissions may be lodged via post and should be addressed to:

The Infrastructure Coordinator
Infrastructure Australia
GPO Box 594
CANBERRA 2601

Infrastructure Australia is an independent statutory advisory council with twelve members drawn from industry and all levels of government, including five from the private sector.

The discussion paper and information about how to prepare and lodge a submission is available at: www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au.

What are you waiting for?

Although it's easy to be cynical, contributing well written and persuasive submissions is very important. If you don't submit your thoughts to these processes, you can't complain later.

Feel free to brainstorm in the comments below..