Updated State Infrastructure Plan to deliver jobs and economic growth

The Palaszczuk Government has today released the 2017 update of the State Infrastructure Plan which underpins economic growth and supports jobs.

In releasing the updated Part B program, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the State Infrastructure Plan (SIP) provides confidence and certainty to industry, local government and the community.

“This update to the SIP confirms the Palaszczuk Government’s $42 billion infrastructure investment over the next four years with a clear program of works and many new projects being delivered,” Ms Trad said.

“Over the forward estimates we are spending a massive $42 billion on infrastructure and the SIP is our blueprint for this investment that ensures we are delivering the right projects, at the right time, for the right price.

“The SIP is in stark contrast to the previous LNP Government’s non-existent infrastructure plan.

“The former LNP Government under Tim Nicholls failed to deliver an infrastructure plan of any sort – in fact the only plan Tim Nicholls had was a plan to flog off our assets and build 1 William Street in Brisbane’s CBD.

“In contrast, we have a plan that and it has already improved the way infrastructure planning is coordinated across government.

“This 2017 update has tracked the progress of all projects and shows how critical infrastructure is being delivered over time.

“The SIP reveals that in the last year more than 400 construction projects were completed or are underway including three new hospitals and four new schools,129 kilometres of state-controlled road have been upgraded and 1200 megawatts of renewable energy projects are approved.

“The update also includes a number of new features including better integration with regional plans across the state and links in with the Building Queensland pipeline for projects over $50 million.

“It has already improved the way infrastructure planning is coordinated across government and means projects get on the go faster.

“Through the SIP we are seeing transformational projects for our state, like Cross River Rail, the Townsville Stadium and the Smithfield Bypass in Cairns progress from concept to delivery.

“As Queensland’s population grows, our infrastructure needs also grow and evolve which is why this annual update is vitally important.”

The landmark State Infrastructure Plan, released in March 2016, established a bold new infrastructure reform agenda for Queensland. It was the first state infrastructure plan released by a state government since 2011.

For more information visit www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/SIP

Since the release of the 2016 SIP Part B, there has been:

• 402 construction projects completed or underway
• $13 billion tourism infrastructure pipeline facilitated
• $5.4 billion to fully fund Cross River Rail
• $1.6 billion committed from the State Infrastructure Fund
• $320 million infrastructure delivered for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
• 1200 megawatts of renewable energy projects confirmed
• 700 local government projects in regional areas through Works for Queensland
• 185 new social housing units constructed
• 129 kilometres of state-controlled road constructed or upgraded
• Four new schools constructed
• Three new hospitals constructed
• Two new priority development areas created

ENDS

Media Contact Anna Jabour 0429 890 942