Mining magnate Andrew Forrest says the Australian dollar is likely to hit parity with the US dollar ‘‘shortly,’’ as benefits of the resources boom spill into the wider economy.

After the currency overnight struck a two-year high of 94.94 US cents, the Fortescue Metals chief said he thought it had further to rise thanks to the nation’s growth prospects.

While the resources boom had been the key attraction for investors so far, he said they would soon appreciate the broader growth story across various industries in Australia.

‘‘That’s a vote on how good Australia is,’’ he said of the dollar's recent ascent.