The Federal Government, Queensland Government and local councils will work together to develop a City Deal for the South East Queensland (SEQ) region.
The deal follows a blitz in transport infrastructure funding announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison ahead of the 2019 Federal Election.
It marks the second City Deal for Queensland following the policy being first established in Townsville.
The Federal Government has also piloted a Regional Deal for the Bundaberg Hervey Bay region.
The Federal Government has been working with the SEQ Council of Mayors, in particular Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk, on the recently released People Mass Movement Study, which explores the impact of population growth on the region’s ability to cope with future transport demand.
The Federal Government is already investing $7.2 billion into major transport infrastructure projects within the region including $2.7 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast; 1.2 billion for six projects to bust congestion on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast; $1.1 billion to construct the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and $902 million to increase the efficiency of Brisbane’s motorway network by building the Gateway Upgrade North.
Earlier this month the Federal Government also committed $244 million for a range of local congestion busting road, and park and ride, projects through its $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said the Federal Government was committed to making the region even more liveable than it already is.
“South East Queensland is already home to over two thirds of the state’s population and is expected to accommodate 5.3 million people within 25 years’ time,” Minister Tudge said.
“We need to cater for this rising population and the SEQ City Deal will be a huge step forward in making sure the people of South East Queensland get the most out of living in this beautiful region.
“I along with the Prime Minister will be meeting with the SEQ Mayors to discuss the Deal, and we will also be working constructively with the Queensland Government as we have already in Townsville.”
