Overseas and interstate migration contributes to 229,000 extra daily trips on Queensland roads, bus, rail and active networks

• More than 120,000 people moved to Queensland in the year to September 2023.
• Rapid overseas and interstate migration has contributed to an additional 229,000 extra trips on Queensland’s roads, public transport and active networks. 
• Overseas and interstate migration trips has increased by 177 and 44 percent respectively over the last five years.
• Rapid population growth putting unprecedented pressure on roads and transport systems around the state, contributing to increased congestion.

Queensland is experiencing the fastest population growth in Australia, particularly across the South East.

Annual population growth was 2.7 per cent (year to Q3 2023) - the highest growth rate in more than 15 years.

More than 120,000 people moved to Queensland in the year to September 2023, including 87,954 from overseas and 32,625 from interstate.

This represents an increase of 170 per cent since pre-COVID (2019) and the highest overseas migration on record.

This rapid growth presents challenges for our legacy road and transport services infrastructure.

Net overseas migration contributes to the daily trips made on the Queensland network. Its contribution has increased from 60,000 of all trips in 2019 to 167,000 of all trips in 2023. This is a 177 percent increase in net overseas migration trips over the last five years.

Net interstate migration contributes to the daily trips made on the Queensland network. Its contribution has increased from 43,000 of all trips in 2019 to 62,000 of all trips in 2023. This is a 44 percent increase in net interstate migration trips over the last five years.

The Miles Government is investing a record $32.1 billion in road and transport infrastructure to ensure key transport corridors keep pace, but congestion continues to impact on Queensland drivers. 

Transport and Main Roads estimates one train can take more than 600 cars off the road significantly reducing congestion on busy arterials like the M1 and the Ipswich, Logan and Gateway Motorways. 

It’s why over $10 billion will be invested in rail and bus infrastructure over the next four years. The investment includes projects such as Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, Beerburrum to Nambour track duplication and Direct Sunshine Coast Rail.

Building this infrastructure takes time, and in order for our current transport capacity to keep pace the Premier has called for moderation of migration levels by the Federal Government.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My government is delivering the biggest transport build in Queensland’s history that’s more rail, roads, buses, footpaths and cycleways than ever before.

“But, as quickly as we build it Queensland is outgrowing it. And every extra minute spent stuck in traffic is costing dollars at the bowser. 

“New data shows that the massive overseas and interstate migration we have seen is directly contributing to congestion 229,000 more daily trips on our roads, trains, buses and active networks over the last five years.

“That’s a 177 per cent increase off the back of overseas migration and a 44 per cent increase as a result of interstate migration.

“This is exactly why I have called on the Federal Government to moderate migration, to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

“Queensland has the longest road network of any state in the country, and most of this is nationally significant to our tourism, trade and freight industries.

“We need to work together to deliver solutions for the future, that keep Queenslanders moving seamlessly, efficiently and sustainably.”

ENDS