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Industry News, Queensland

Delivering the “right infrastructure at the right time”

Delivering the "right infrastructure at the right time"

He said both the State Infrastructure Plan and the Building Queensland Infrastructure Pipeline provide clear and transparent information to business and the community about what is funded in the budget, like the Kingaroy Hospital redevelopment, and what is in the planning phase.

“Through our State Infrastructure Plan we are ensuring the right infrastructure is delivered at the right time, in the right place, to the benefit of all Queenslanders,” Dick said.

“This annual update of the State Infrastructure Plan outlines our government’s $11.6 billion infrastructure investment in 2018-19, which will support up to 38,000 jobs.”

The State Infrastructure Plan update looks at projects of all scales including big-ticket transport items.

“Programs like the Queensland Transport Roads and Investment Program 2018-19 to 2021-22 outlines $21.7 billion in transport and road infrastructure over the next four years, estimated to support an average of 19,200 direct jobs over the life of the program,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk government is also delivering the Building Better Hospitals Program that will inject $679 million into hospitals and includes upgrades at Logan, Caboolture and Ipswich hospitals, along with regional hospitals in Atherton, Blackall and Cairns.

“We are also unlocking capacity constraints in the transport network by investing in Cross River Rail, the biggest state funded infrastructure commitment in more than a decade.”

Dick said Cross River Rail is being delivered in partnership with the private sector and will provide a turn-up-and-go transport system benefiting all of South East Queensland.

“As a government for all of Queensland we are ensuring infrastructure is also being delivered right across the state, with 65% of our infrastructure budget allocated to outside of the greater Brisbane area,” he said.

“This update highlights the opportunities and challenges in planning and delivering infrastructure for our fast-growing state, and that diverse infrastructure solutions are needed across Queensland – it is not a one size fits all approach. Delivering prosperity in Queensland requires a partnership approach between all levels of governments and the private sector.

“It has already improved the way infrastructure planning is coordinated across government and means projects get on and go faster, which highlights the role our Government plays in facilitating development and boosting growth industries such as tourism and renewable energy.”

Infrastructure Association of Queensland CEO Steve Abson said the update provides critical detail on the infrastructure investment strategies and gives the private sector confidence to invest in their Queensland operations.

“It must now be actioned collaboratively by all levels of government and the private sector to ensure projects are delivered for Queensland communities,” Abson said.

One of the inputs into the State Infrastructure Plan, Building Queensland’s Infrastructure Pipeline Report, has also been released this week.

Dick said the Palaszczuk government is committed to funding the right infrastructure, with 18 proposals from Building Queensland’s Infrastructure Pipeline receiving funding commitments since June 2016.

“This government has been busy developing solutions to our infrastructure needs and Building Queensland’s independent analysis has verified our decision to proceed with the investments,” Dick said.

“In the six months since the release of the previous Infrastructure Pipeline Report, the Palaszczuk government has committed to upgrading the Logan, Caboolture and Ipswich hospitals; upgrading the M1 from Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill and Varsity Lakes to Tugun; the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project and the New Performing Arts Venue.

“With seven new proposals added to the pipeline, including projects like Brisbane Live and Bundaberg Hospital, the government is committed to supporting growth without compromising quality of life.”

Building Queensland Chief Executive Officer Damian Gould said the pipeline provided analysis that allows government to make informed decisions on large infrastructure projects.

“Good projects that are supported by detailed investigations and assessments are flowing through the pipeline having received funding commitments,” Gould said.

Dick said the government is also driving economic development and jobs throughout Queensland by funding and facilitating both small and large-scale regional infrastructure.

“Programs such as Building our Regions, has already allocated $225 million across 174 projects in 62 local government areas, supporting the creation of 1762 jobs,” he said.

“Building our Regions is also funding the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme worth $150 million and this program is having a significant impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities where primary access infrastructure is being upgraded.

“Works for Queensland, a $600 million program, has more than 1350 projects that have been approved to date.

“These are not large-scale infrastructure projects, but they are vital infrastructure projects all the same. The funding is targeted largely at boosting liveability by building local facilities, replacing or rejuvenating community infrastructure, and providing local jobs at the same time.

“We are invested in improving liveability for communities regardless of location, ensuring access to high-quality health, education and social services.”

Since the 2017 State Infrastructure Plan update:

  • 405 construction projects completed or underway
  • $5.4 billion committed to fully fund Cross River Rail
  • 1350 local government projects in regional areas through Works for Queensland
  • 4 new schools opened
  • 2520 Mw renewable energy projects confirmed
  • 576 new social housing dwellings built
  • 189 million total number of passenger transport trips
  • 18 new, upgraded and existing venues ready on time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games
  • 1.1 million G:link trips during the 2018 Commonwealth Games
  • Over 40 hospitals and health infrastructure projects delivered

View the State Infrastructure Plan update: www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/sip

View Building Queensland’s Infrastructure Pipeline Report: http://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/pipeline/

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