Fast-tracked roads, rail to boost economy

Diggers around Australia will be getting moving as the federal government seeks public road and rail projects that can be fast-tracked to stimulate a soft economy.

The coalition is considering "shovel-ready" small- to medium-sized infrastructure projects, The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday.

The potential acceleration could add to the stimulus expected to flow from the government's planned income tax cuts and current lower interest rates.

Assistant Finance Minister Zed Seselja says the timing of the projects is largely up to the states and territories.

"We have said that money will flow as quickly as the projects can get off the ground," he told Sky News.

"If they're able to get the approvals done more quickly then we'll work with them to get the money out."