Infrastructure Planning in Chile: Insights and Proposals Inspired by Australia

The creation of an entity dedicated to public infrastructure planning with an integrated and long-term economic development approach has reached a crucial maturation point in Chile.

The current government has acknowledged this need and is working on the definition and formalization of the new entity. The Infrastructure Policy Council (CPI - Consejo Políticas de Infraestructura ) has been a key player in this matter, generating a proposal that has garnered the authorities' attention. The CPI's proposal emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, the integration of ministries, public companies, regional governments, and municipalities, as well as the development and monitoring of a National Infrastructure Plan.

CPI's Diagnosis and Proposal

The CPI has identified several deficiencies in the development of infrastructure in Chile, such as a lack of planning, constructive dialogue, shared criteria, and coordination. Specific issues include:

• Difficulty in achieving integrated and sustained long-term planning.
• Different planning horizons and lack of shared decision-making criteria.
• Absence of a forum for exchanging views on the country's future.
• Discontinuity of governing coalitions and lack of coordination.
• Weak sectoral planning efforts and lack of integration between entities.
• Partial sectoral policies lacking an integrated vision and unsustainable with political cycle changes.
• Differences in the strategic plans of state-owned companies.

The CPI proposes the creation of an Independent Infrastructure Advisory Committee, autonomous and reporting directly to the Presidency. This committee should be responsible for long-term infrastructure planning, integrating the planning of various actors, and developing a 25-year National Infrastructure Plan, with reviews every five years.

The Experience of Infrastructure Australia

Infrastructure Australia (IA - Infrastructure Australia ), established in 2008, serves as a model to follow. IA is an independent advisory body to the Australian government, playing an integral role in the planning and prioritization of high-quality infrastructure projects. IA's key functions include defining a priority list of infrastructure projects, analyzing information, conducting studies, developing long-term strategies, and promoting continuous improvement. The entity also focuses on environmental issues and community relations, ensuring the suitability and feasibility of projects.

Benefits and Challenges for Chile

The creation of a similar entity in Chile can bring multiple benefits, including better coordination, long-term planning, and an integrated strategic vision of infrastructure. However, it will also face challenges, such as resistance to change and the need for institutional reengineering to ensure its effectiveness and autonomy.

Implementing an Infrastructure Advisory Committee in Chile should consider the lessons from Infrastructure Australia, adapting best practices to the Chilean reality and overcoming existing cultural and institutional barriers.

For more information on the Infrastructure Policy Council's proposal and the experience of Infrastructure Australia, you can access the following link: Link to Full Information.

This article not only highlights the importance of integrated infrastructure planning in Chile but also invites reflection on how to implement solutions inspired by successful international experiences. I look forward to your comments and suggestions!