Queensland Budget 2023-24 includes Big Build investment

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick handed down the state’s 2023-24 Budget on Tuesday, which included major investments in infrastructure.

A $20.321 billion Big Build capital investment in Queensland’s 2023-24 Budget will support the delivery of the state’s biggest transformational projects as well as essential services for Queenslanders.

Steven Miles, Queensland’s Deputy Premier, said the state is in its golden decade of opportunity. “Queensland is the fastest growing state, with more population growth than we’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “Our $20.321 billion Big Build capital investment in the 2023-24 State Budget is supporting transformational projects.”

“Our regions’ infrastructure needs are being supported with a new $3.611 million investment in this year’s budget, towards Regional Infrastructure Plans, a key element of the State Infrastructure Strategy.

“A significant capital boost of $9.785 billion over six years for our health system is delivering around 2,200 additional overnight beds at 15 facilities across the health system.

“In addition, $376.9 million is delivering seven satellite hospitals in South East Queensland bringing better care closer to home.”

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The $20.321 billion Big Build capital investment in this year’s budget – part of a $88.729 billion four-year capital investment program – supports major programs including the 10-year $7.1 billion Brisbane 2032 venues infrastructure program jointly funded with the Australian Government, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, the delivery of major water infrastructure and better health and transport facilities and services.

Of the $20.321 billion program, $13.308 billion, or 65.5 per cent, will be invested in infrastructure projects outside the Greater Brisbane region.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state’s Big Build will deliver big results for Queenslanders. “Our capital program is putting in place the infrastructure we need, where we need it, to support that growth, right across the state,” said the Premier.

“Infrastructure investment means more jobs, exciting new industries and better essential services like health and transport.

“Additionally, in line with the Queensland Energy and Jobs plans, this Government will be delivering a key component of Plan’s energy SuperGrid, the CopperString 2032 transmission line.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick said Queensland’s infrastructure spend in this year’s budget means more good jobs and better services across the state.

“Importantly, Queensland’s transport services are being transformed by projects like Cross River Rail, funded via a capital contribution of $6.349 billion, along with financing of $1.499 billion secured through a public private partnership,” he said. “This is the largest transport project ever undertaken in Queensland.”

“Other major transport projects include the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades, Coomera Connector, Bruce Highway upgrades and Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3.

“We’re also delivering major water infrastructure essential for regional growth including the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2, Rookwood Weir and the South West Pipeline.”