Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have announced a $1.9 billion package which fast tracks spending on road and rail projects all over Queensland.
The federal government will bring forward nearly $650 million in funding and provide more than $680 million in new funding, with the state government committing $606 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said we want these road and rail projects delivered as quickly as possible so Queenslanders can benefit from better infrastructure, but importantly we want to boost the economy now.
“We will bring forward more than $440 million in federal funding on top of the nearly $3.8 billion we will spend across the state over the next 18 months.”
Funding will be brought forward for a total of 20 projects including key upgrades on the M1, Bruce, Warrego and Cunningham Highways and the North Coast Rail Line.
Funding brought forward:
- $225.6 million for Bruce Highway upgrades
- $118.5 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative upgrades
- $94.3 million for M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades
- $90 million for the North Coast Rail Line Upgrade between Beerburrum and Nambour
- $62 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project
- $22 million for new upgrades along the Warrego Highway
- $27 million for new upgrades along the Cunningham Highway
- $9 million for road upgrades associated with the Hinkler Regional Deal
- $7 million for the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative
Additional federal funding:
- $157 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project
New federal funding:
- $400 million for future priorities on the National Network including M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49
- $50 million for the relocation of the Loganlea Station
- $20 million for planning for the Port of Brisbane connection
- $10 million for the development of a business case for the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail line
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