The Queensland Government’s key independent infrastructure adviser, Building Queensland, has published its 2019 Infrastructure Pipeline Report.
The Infrastructure Pipeline details infrastructure proposals over $50 million in value that are in the planning phase or under consideration by the state government.
Building Queensland Chief Executive Officer Damian Gould said the statutory body has been working closely with Queensland Government agencies to unpack the service needs across the state, and identify opportunities for economic growth.
“Our role in leading the development of the state’s major business cases has helped us to identify four new proposals for inclusion in the pipeline,” Mr. Gould said.
“A balance of economic and social infrastructure has emerged—both of which are necessary for developing the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Queenslanders.”
Mr. Gould said new sections of the M1 Pacific Motorway from Daisy Hill to Nerang had been identified, to address capacity constraints on the transport corridor.
Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the 2019 Infrastructure Pipeline Report demonstrates significant progress in addressing the state’s infrastructure needs.
“Delivering the infrastructure our community needs is as much about good planning as it is about good delivery,” Mr. Dick said.
“Over 70 per cent of proposals received or initiated by Building Queensland have progressed to further stages of development since the previous pipeline report, and six have received funding.”
In 2018-19, Building Queensland provided business cases to support essential infrastructure projects such as the expansion of Logan Hospital, Stage 3A of Gold Coast Light Rail project, a revitalised convention centre in Cairns and the Inner-City South State Secondary College.
“Through Building Queensland’s Pipeline Report, our private sector infrastructure partners have a clear understanding not only of what the government has committed to but what’s in the pipeline,” Mr Dick said.
“Making this information available transparently helps the infrastructure community do their own business planning and resource allocation.”
According to Mr. Dick, the Infrastructure Pipeline is a key component of government’s infrastructure policy decision making and reform.
“The next four years will see a $49.5 billion infrastructure investment across Queensland, including $12.9 billion over the next 12 months, which will support up to 40,500 local jobs,” Mr. Dick said.
“60 per cent of this year’s infrastructure budget is being invested outside Greater Brisbane, where it will support around 25,500 jobs.”
Mr. Dick said the state’s infrastructure program underpins and unlocks private sector investment.
“Our state’s $147 billion combined public / private infrastructure pipeline is the second largest in Australia, according to Deloitte Access Economics,” Mr. Dick said.
“A strong, sustainable infrastructure pipeline provides confidence and certainty for investors, employers, businesses and communities.”
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