Details of south-east Queensland’s long-awaited City Deal between all three levels of government have finally been agreed, with the $1.8 billion infrastructure pact signed in Brisbane today.
Set to deliver $1.8 billion funding for projects in south-east Queensland (SEQ), the cross-governmental agreement aimed to prepare the region for population growth over the next two decades.
The SEQ City Deal will be funded through $667.77 million from the Commonwealth, $618.78 million from the Queensland Government and $501.62 million from the Council of Mayors (SEQ), representing the region’s council, plus $75 million from industry.
The single biggest beneficiary will be Brisbane City Council’s Woolloongabba Metro station, which will link with Cross River Rail and be a vital connection during the Olympics, with $450 million allocated to the project. The nearby Gabba stadium has been proposed as Brisbane’s main Olympic stadium.
The SEQ Liveability Fund is another key beneficiary, with $285 million earmarked for the Fund to deliver projects of social and economic priority for the councils.
Other key projects under the deal include $150 million for the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund to support capital projects that promote and grow the region’s innovation economy; $105 million for resource recovery infrastructure to develop a region-wide approach to managing waste and progress the region to a circular economy; and $70 million for digital connectivity projects to support place based telecommunications infrastructure and improved digital connectivity.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner, in his capacity as chairman of the Council of Mayors (SEQ), officially signed off on the deal in Brisbane today.
In a statement today, Prime Minister Morrison said the projects identified in the SEQ City Deal would generate about 2000 jobs and set the state up to be in the “best position” to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
“This is a partnership for Queensland jobs and Queensland investment to deliver a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and with the population expected to continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come.
Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.
“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.
“The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population.
“That includes new transport links for the Gabba in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The winners are Queenslanders.”
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the cooperation between all levels of government will ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.
“We have seen a recent surge in people looking to call SEQ home, and by 2041, the region is set to grow to 5.4 million residents,” Mr Miles said.
“A new Gabba Metro Station will improve linkages between cross-river rail and the Brisbane Metro at the Woolloongabba Olympic venue that create long-term improvements to the public transport network and transformational city shaping opportunities.”
ACA: Industry to now lean in on SEQ City Deal
The Australian Constructors Association has welcomed the commitment by local, state and federal governments to progress the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, with CEO Jon Davies noting that aligning all three levels of government was an effective way to take the politics out of infrastructure.
“The SEQ City Deal is about outcomes – not projects,” said Mr Davies.
“It is about planning that starts at the head and not the tail.
“Government may have signed the dotted line, but the private sector also has an important role to play in delivering the deal.
“When all three levels of government work together they become better at defining the problems and the opportunities so the private sector can come up with solutions.”
For more information on the SEQ City Deal, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/city-deals/SEQ.
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