Infrastructure jobs get $415M boost in Queensland

The Federal and Queensland Governments are committing an additional $415 million to support shovel-ready projects and urgent safety upgrades across the state.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Federal Government’s JobMaker plan and help the Queensland economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” Mr. Morrison said.

The funding package will build on $1.4 billion worth of already fast-tracked infrastructure in Queensland which was announced in November 2019.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investing in lasting infrastructure projects now will also benefit Queenslanders in the years to come, strengthening the economy in the long run.

“Shovel-ready upgrades we’re investing in include the Burke and Gregory Developmental roads as well as smaller works right across the regional network to improve safety, accessibility and flood immunity,” she said.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready fixes for projects like the Gateway Motorway Flyover.

“Not only will investing in safer and more efficient road networks help save lives and time, it will strengthen the national economy by ensuring communities are connected with jobs and services and businesses with markets,” Mr. Tudge said.

The Federal Government have committed $324.3 million with the Queensland Government making up the rest.

Federal funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

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