Palaszczuk Government takes industry on a QTRIP to investment

The first of two industry briefings showcasing the Palaszczuk Government’s record investment in transport infrastructure kicked off today in Brisbane [8 August].

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said following the release of the Queensland Transport and Roads investment Program (QTRIP), industry briefings were held to provide infrastructure contractors and consultants across the state a better understanding of the program.

“This year marks the third consecutive year that we are delivering a record spend on road and transport infrastructure, with QTRIP 2018 – 2019 to 2021 – 22 delivering $21.7 billion of investment over the next four years,” he said.

“We are committed to continuing to deliver record investment, building our transport and road network, boosting productivity, future proofing the state, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

“However, to do this, we must continue to work together with industry to build a strong, diverse economy for Queensland.

“QTRIP allows us to take the next step forward, in partnership with industry and business, to deliver a safe and reliable road network, while creating jobs across the state.

“In fact, this budget will support on average about 19,200 direct jobs, across Queensland, over the next four years.”

Mr Bailey said thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland procurement policy, Queensland businesses had a better chance than ever before to successfully tender for local projects.

“We are providing local businesses more opportunities to tender with the government, driving genuine local jobs and improving social outcomes for Queenslanders,” he said.

“Locals know their community transport needs best, as do local transport companies, so these briefings ensure we give every opportunity for these businesses to involved.

“It is vitally important to hold these briefings to provide industry with an overview of the QTRIP funding allocation and showcase the upcoming works expected to be released for tender during the coming year.

“This gives local businesses the chance to be ready to capitalise when our projects go out to tender, and provides them with a greater understanding of upcoming programs and projects, method of procurement, likely budgets available and the timing of the work entering the market.

“This year’s briefings include targeted sessions that focus on areas which have the capacity for improved participation and backing from industry partners, as well as increased benefits to local communities and businesses.”

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was focused on investing for the future in infrastructure and services across the state’s vast roads and transport network.

“Queensland’s population is growing at an incredible rate, and that’s why it is so important that our infrastructure funding keeps pace,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is restoring certainty to business and the community that was stripped away by the LNP when Campbell Newman was in power thanks to their decision to cut more than $600 million from QTRIP.”

Today’s session covered upcoming projects in the Metropolitan, North Coast and Wide Bay/Burnett, South Coast and Downs South West regions.

A second briefing will be held in Mackay on 14 August to provide an overview of QTRIP projects for Mackay/Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland.

QTRIP is published annually and details the current transport and road projects to be delivered over the next four years to meet the infrastructure needs of our rapidly growing state.

For further information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/About-us/Corporate-information/Publications/Queensland-Transport-and-Roads-Investment-Program

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565