The Queensland Government will invest $45 billion in infrastructure funding in its 2018/19 Budget over the next four years.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the investment was a stimulus package for the local economy.
“This Budget will see $45 billion invested in infrastructure across the next four years, building our cities and regional Queensland for the future,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
The government’s funding investment is a $1.4 billion increase from the $10.1 billion allocated for infrastructure in the 2017-18 Budget.
“This massive spend will drive our economy, supporting 38,000 Queensland jobs every year,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“From the Cairns Convention Centre to Cross River Rail, the M1 to the Townsville Stadium, my government is about delivering the important projects that our communities need as they grow.”
Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad, said, “As Queensland transitions to a more innovative, diverse and productive economy, it is vital that our infrastructure maximises our opportunities and provides long-term sustainable benefits.
“Across the state, public infrastructure is a driver for transformative change, encouraging private investment and making our communities better places to live.
“This Budget recognises that and includes the biggest infrastructure spend since 2011, after the flood recovery.
“It means great schools for our kids, high-quality healthcare no matter where you live and better roads and public transport to get people home faster. Meeting the infrastructure challenge now will ensure our economy is sustainable for the future.”
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Cameron Dick, said the investment was important for a growing population.
“Our population has just reached five million. It will continue to grow by around 100,000 a year over the next 20 years,” Mr Dick said.
“Queensland is the country’s top destination for interstate migration.
“It is essential that a growing state plans for the future and provides the infrastructure needed to accommodate population growth.
“Good planning and providing proper infrastructure lead to economic development, jobs and the creation of communities in which people want to live.”
