Record investment in transport and a significant infrastructure boost feature in the Queensland Government’s 2022-23 State Budget.
Announced on Tuesday, the budget details the $29.7 billion, four-year Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) to help support the state’s growing population.
The QTRIP forms part of a broader $59.1 billion capital program over the next four years.
Mark Bailey, Transport and Main Roads Minister, said the investment would drive the state’s shift from economic recovery to future growth and prosperity.
“Queensland is growing rapidly, with our world leading pandemic response making our state the place to be, but we know we need infrastructure to support this growth and that’s what this budget delivers for Queenslanders,” he said.
Major investment of $5.19 billion over four years across the South Coast Region includes funding for the Coomera Connector (Stage 1), the Gold Coast Rail (Stage 3), and upgrades along the Pacific Motorway.
The Metropolitan Region will receive $3.85 billion over four years for projects such as the Gateway Motorway and the Brisbane Metro Woolloongabba Station.
Projects across the North Coast Region will receive $3.07 billion, while the Wide Bay Burnett, Fitzroy, Mackay Whitsunday, Northern, and Far North districts will each benefit from more than $1 billion each.
These include multiple projects along the Bruce Highway, a major regional corridor, which will benefit from billions in major upgrades to improve capacity, flood immunity and road safety.
Funding has also been committed to cross-regional projects including the $600 million Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which forms part of the $7.1 billion to boost the state’s train manufacturing.
Several further projects jointly funded with the Federal Government include $2.59 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, $1 billion towards upgrades of the Inland Freight Route, and $544.5 million for the Warrego Highway.
Bailey said $1.49 billion had been allocated for road safety programs, which was additional to road safety improvements delivered as part of major programs and projects.
“Improving road safety to reduce road trauma and save lives remains our highest priority,” he said. “This investment continues on a legacy of constant improvement through our various safety programs, supported by our investment in infrastructure which improves road conditions.”
In addition, the budget includes $266.2 million to support active transport infrastructure projects, as well as an additional $1.29 billion to support continued delivery of the Cross River Rail.
“This year’s QTRIP really highlights the important work we are delivering across the state, making Queensland the place everyone wants to be,” Bailey said.
The budget also details $190 million for infrastructure planning and development as part of the state’s preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the more time Queensland had to plan for Brisbane 2032, the bigger the payoff for the state.
“This funding will help us effectively progress planning, design and delivery of critical infrastructure which will support south-east Queensland’s long-term growth,” she said.
For more information, visit: budget.qld.gov.au
Related stories:
- $3.5 billion for QLD rail projects
- Milestone reached on QLD’s Eight Mile
- $200M boost for QLD housing infrastructure