State Government to support major Rocky road project

The people of Rockhampton will see more jobs created in their city after the Queensland Government approved funding for a major intersection and main road project near Central Queensland University.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney announced in Parliament today that the State Government had identified the first three projects to be funded under its Priority Development Infrastructure program.

“We promised at the election to provide better infrastructure and planning in regional Queensland to help build thriving communities where people want to live and work,” Mr Seeney said.

“Our Priority Development Infrastructure (PDI) Co-investment Program will see the State Government co-invest in start-up projects such as road, water supply, sewerage and stormwater infrastructure that will enable councils to attract investment to get associated developments off the ground.

“We recognised we needed to work with councils and the private sector to get projects moving – projects to provide the catalytic infrastructure needed to support development and create jobs.

“In Rockhampton, we will partner with the Rockhampton Regional Council and Central Queensland University to fund a new four-way signalised intersection and the first stage of the main street for the CQU Rockhampton Priority Development Area.

“This will be a huge boost for the economy of Rockhampton and create new jobs for the city.”

Mr Seeney said this investment will be the catalyst for developing the CQU Rockhampton Priority Development Area into a world-class, mixed-use village incorporating university, residential, retail and commercial spaces for the community to enjoy.

“We anticipate that between 2,000 and 2,500 new homes, including a mix of detached houses, townhouses and units, will be built within the Priority Development Area over the next 10 to 15 years,” Mr Seeney said.

Member for Keppel Bruce Young said today’s announcement was positive for the university and Rockhampton.

“This funding will be a welcome shot in the arm for the Rockhampton regional economy, creating construction jobs and business opportunities for locals,” Mr Young said.

“The road project will also support the construction of affordable housing within walking distance of the Central Queensland University, adding another string to the bow of the educational offering at CQU.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the funding for new infrastructure in the CQU residential precinct would unlock growth and open doors for new economic development opportunities.

“I welcome this funding as it signals strong confidence in the growth of our region,” Cr Strelow said.

“Council’s decision to reduce our infrastructure charges was fundamental to the Government’s decision making. Our bold move is really paying off and we are reaping the benefits.”

Mr Seeney said that over the past few months Economic Development Queensland had been working with councils to identify projects in their regions that will deliver significant flow-on benefits for the community.

“By supporting Priority Development Infrastructure projects in places like Rockhampton, we are giving local governments and the private sector the confidence to invest in infrastructure that will grow regional economies,” Mr Seeney said.

“The co-investments we are making will be recovered from these new developments and will, in turn, be rolled into future catalytic infrastructure projects that will provide jobs and business opportunities across Queensland.”

Further information on the Priority Development Infrastructure program is available at: www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/pdi

[ENDS] 16 October 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744