Billions of dollars worth of new roads, homes and renewable energy projects could blow out in cost or be delayed years as the nation faces a shortage of 300,000 workers to build vital infrastructure.

A $29 billion jump in the value of the nation’s major infrastructure pipeline, driven in part by new housing and energy projects, has prompted concern that regionals may miss out on a renewed lift in public and private spending.

Federal agency Infrastructure Australia on Thursday said there was now $242 billion in public projects planned over the next five years with another $760 billion expected to be delivered by the private sector.

It was the first increase in the expected value of public projects since 2022.

Transport projects, including major rail and road works, account for $129 bill

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