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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has urged states to fast-track a wishlist of potential infrastructure projects for federal assistance.Credit:Sydney Morning Herald

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wrote to the states in late August asking for a list of potential projects that could be brought forward. Some states,such as Victoria and Western Australia,have fast-tracked maintenance programs on roads and schools respectively.

Mr Frydenberg said while there were capacity constraints on major projects,particularly in NSW and Victoria,the federal government would look at which proposals could get under way in the near future.

Senior bureaucrats at the state and federal level will work together to identify possible problems,such as shortages of skilled workers or equipment,that need to be resolved before projects can get the green light.

"We are prepared to consider on a case-by-case basis states putting forward projects that can be brought forward,recognising the importance of continuing that infrastructure rollout,"Mr Frydenberg said.

Mr Frydenberg with Population Minister Alan Tudge and Immigration Minister David Coleman following a meeting of the nation's treasurers on Friday.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

During the meeting,states raised concerns about delays caused at the federal level in the processing of applications for projects with a particular focus on issues around environmental conditions.

Some of the major projects in the federal government's $100-billion pipeline may take years to be planned and put in place,with some states keen to get smaller scale work – such as railway station car parks – under way.

Victoria's Treasurer Tim Pallas said with growing signs the federal government's recent tax cuts had failed to boost consumer spending across the economy,it had to give more support to the states to deliver infrastructure projects.

"The Morrison government needs to invest more now in the infrastructure projects the economy needs,rather than leave the heavy lifting to the states and the Reserve Bank,"he said.

Opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Catherine King said the failure to announce any new projects showed the government was putting the economy at risk.

"Despite Josh Frydenberg’s excuses,we know there is capacity for the government to bring forward funding for smaller projects and infrastructure maintenance,particularly outside our major cities,"she said.

"It’s time the Morrison government ended the spin and started work on a real plan to fast-track infrastructure investment to create jobs and improve productivity."

The treasurers also agreed upon a national population planning system that Population Minister Alan Tudge said should ensure better coordination between the states and federal government on issues relating to population pressures,urban congestion and demands from some communities for skilled overseas workers.

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