Road and rail boost for Queensland economy

$1.9 BILLION ROAD AND RAIL BOOST FOR QUEENSLAND ECONOMY 

 

A $1.9 billion road and rail package will boost the Queensland economy and drive more jobs, while getting people home sooner and safer.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hailed the historic deal which fast-tracks spending on a host of road and rail projects all over the State.

 

The Morrison Government will bring forward nearly $650 million in funding and provide more than $680 million in new funding, with the Palaszczuk Government committing $606 million.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.

 

“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,” the Prime Minister said. 

 

“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Queensland roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic.

 

“We will bring forward funding for a total of 20 projects right throughout Queensland, including key upgrades on the M1, Bruce, Warrego and Cunningham Highways, and the North Coast Rail Line.”

 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement means jobs.

 

“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.

 

“We have called for a better deal for Queensland and the Prime Minister has listened.

 

“We’re getting projects off drawing boards to create more jobs in more industries and deliver the things that make people’s lives better.”

 

Both governments have reached an agreement on $9.3 billion Inland Rail project, paving the way for the delivery of the project in Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.

 

“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing employment opportunities and economic growth across Australia, in particular in regional communities supporting local jobs,” Mr McCormack said.

 

“The Inland Rail project is a critical investment for Queensland and is projected to create 7,200 construction jobs and a more than $7 billion boost to the state economy.

 

“We’re also bringing forward funding and delivery for key projects to benefit not only road freight but improve safety for locals and tourists such as the Rockhampton and Mackay ring roads.”

 

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said details of the projects included in the deal will be released shortly.

 

“This is a massive win for Queensland,” the Minister said.

 

“The Gold Coast’s northern suburbs are growing quickly so we need to start upgrades on the M1 at exits 41 and 49.

 

“Queensland’s money for those projects was already locked in, so now we can get on with them.

 

“We delivered a record $23 billion over four years for road and transport in this year’s state budget.

 

“This deal boosts that record investment and will strengthen the pipeline of work coming online.”

 

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for Queensland at the most recent Budget.

“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $25.7 billion towards infrastructure in Queensland and this new package will now see around $10.5 billion delivered across the state over the next four years,” Minister Tudge said.

 

“These commitments build on an already strong track record of investment by the Morrison Government in Queensland through projects like the Gold Coast Light Rail which will contribute to our SEQ City Deal.”

 

Federal Government project funding brought forward

• $225.6 million for Bruce Highway upgrades, including the Linkfield Road Overpass, the Pine River to Caloundra corridor, Stage 2 of the Mackay Ring Road, the Rockhampton Ring Road, and Stage 5 of the Cairns Southern Access;

○        Funding to flow from 2019-20 and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $118.5 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative upgrades including the Cooktown to Weipa, Townsville to Roma, and Toowoomba to Seymour (Queensland section) corridors, as well as Shute Harbour Road;

○        Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $94.3 million for M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway, and Varsity Lakes to Tugun;

○        Funding to flow in 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $90 million for the North Coast Rail Line Upgrade between Beerburrum and Nambour;

○        Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $62 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;

○        Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $22 million for new upgrades along the Warrego Highway;

○        Funding to flow from 2020-21 and over the following two years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $27 million for new upgrades along the Cunningham Highway;

○        Funding to flow from 2021-22 and over the following year after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

• $9 million for road upgrades associated with the Hinkler Regional Deal including the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Bargara Road Upgrade, and Isis Overtaking Lanes;

○        Funding to flow from 2020-21 and over the next two years after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22.

 

• $7 million for the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative to examine the viability of constructing a western alternative corridor parallel to the Bruce Highway in north Brisbane;

○        Funding to flow from 2021-22 and over the following year after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

 

Additional federal funding for existing projects:

• $157 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;

○        Funding to flow immediately over the next four years;

○        This commitment builds on the $60 million in federal funding being brought forward;

○        Total cost of the project is $709 million

○        The project will create more than 760 jobs during construction.

○        Australian Government contribution is now $269 million up from $112 million.

○        Queensland Government contribution is $351 million.

○        Gold Coast City Council contribution is $89 million.

 

New federal funding for projects:

• $446.3 million for future priorities on the National Network including M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49;

○        Funding to flow immediately over the next two years;

○        This commitment builds on the $91.4 million in federal funding for existing M1 upgrades being brought forward;

○        Total cost of the M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49 is $92.6 million;

○        Queensland Government contribution is $46.3 million;

○        Expenditure of remaining funds will be agreed between the Australian and Queensland Governments;

 

• $50 million for the relocation of the Loganlea Station;

○        Funding to flow from 2020-21 and the following two years;

○        Total cost of the project is $95 million;

○        Queensland Government contribution is $45 million;

 

• $20 million for planning for the Port of Brisbane connection

○        Funding to flow from 2020-21 and the following two years;

○        Total cost of the project is $20 million;

○        Queensland Government will provide an in-kind matching contribution;

 

• $10 million for the development of a business case for the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail line

○        Funding to flow from 2020-21 and over the following two years;

○        Total cost of the project is $20 million;

○        Queensland Government contribution is $10 million.