Published Tuesday, 29 May, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
$11.6 billion earmarked for infrastructure on the Gold Coast
Tuesday 29 May
In the state’s most ambitious infrastructure program ever, more than $11.6 billion dollars will be invested on new infrastructure on the Gold Coast over the next 20 years.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh made the announcement at today’s launch of the updated South East Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan and Program 2007–2026.
Pointing out that the Infrastructure Plan also includes the more than $7.5 billion identified for water infrastructure projects that will benefit the entire SEQ region, Ms Bligh said it showed the State Government’s strong commitment to infrastructure delivery.
The SEQ Infrastructure Plan—updated annually—aims to ensure the region continues to meet the infrastructure demands of its burgeoning population, which is expected to increase by one million people by 2026.
The Infrastructure Plan supports the desired outcomes for the region outlined in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005–2026—the framework to sustainably manage growth in Australia’s fastest-growing region.
Over the past 25 years, the Gold Coast—extending from Yatala in the north to the NSW border in the south—has experienced the most sustained growth of any Australian, let alone SEQ, city.
Over half of the investment on the Gold Coast will be spent on transport infrastructure, with $6.34 billion earmarked for road, public transport and freight projects.
“Significant population and activity growth on the Gold Coast poses a challenge to the capability of its existing local transport system,” Ms Bligh said.
“Improvements to the road system are only part of the solution—public transport will play an increasing role in moving people efficiently.”
The first phase of the Infrastructure Plan (2007–08 to 2010–11) addresses four major transport issues on the Gold Coast:
Constructing the Gold Coast Rapid Transit System: A high-quality public transport corridor will link Helensvale railway station to Broadbeach and Coolangatta by 2015.
Increasing capacity and patronage on the Gold Coast rail line: Sections of the track are being duplicated and extension of the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes is proposed.
Upgrading of the Pacific Motorway: This is a critical inter- and intra-regional link that must be preserved. Additional lanes between Nerang and Tugun, and improved local transport connections are planned, while construction of the Tugun Bypass is expected to be finished ahead of schedule in mid-2008.
Improving the east–west road and public transport links within the Gold Coast: Improved road and public transport links between existing and emerging Activity Centres will support continued economic growth and make best use of the passenger rail line.
Funding has also been identified for energy ($1.646 billion), health ($1.476 billion), education ($821 million), recreation ($162 million) and vocational, education and training ($30 million) infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
Electricity demand in Queensland is growing at twice the rate of other states. To meet this demand, new transmission and distribution network infrastructure must be constructed.
The State Government’s investment in energy infrastructure includes the construction in 2006–07 of a transmission line between Beaudesert and the Gold Coast to augment the latter’s electricity network.
Most of the funding earmarked for health infrastructure will be spent on the $1.23 billion Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands, the master planning for which is already underway.
Due to be completed in 2012, the 750-bed tertiary hospital will have strong links to medical education and research.
A total of $82 billion has been earmarked for priority infrastructure projects, investigations, planning, design and construction in SEQ over the next 20 years.
This is $16 billion more than the amount identified in the 2006 Infrastructure Plan.
The new items in the updated plan include a new infrastructure category (justice services), the inclusion of Port of Brisbane Corporation activities, and additional water infrastructure commitments.
“Fortunately, Queensland is in an enviably strong financial position to deliver the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of a booming population,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s fair to say that infrastructure provision in Queensland is in overdrive at present, but the Queensland Government is delivering the projects as scheduled and is on track to deliver the remainder.
“In partnership with local governments of the region and the private sector, the Queensland Government is ensuring the SEQ Infrastructure Plan becomes reality.”
Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s office 3224 6900
In the state’s most ambitious infrastructure program ever, more than $11.6 billion dollars will be invested on new infrastructure on the Gold Coast over the next 20 years.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh made the announcement at today’s launch of the updated South East Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan and Program 2007–2026.
Pointing out that the Infrastructure Plan also includes the more than $7.5 billion identified for water infrastructure projects that will benefit the entire SEQ region, Ms Bligh said it showed the State Government’s strong commitment to infrastructure delivery.
The SEQ Infrastructure Plan—updated annually—aims to ensure the region continues to meet the infrastructure demands of its burgeoning population, which is expected to increase by one million people by 2026.
The Infrastructure Plan supports the desired outcomes for the region outlined in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005–2026—the framework to sustainably manage growth in Australia’s fastest-growing region.
Over the past 25 years, the Gold Coast—extending from Yatala in the north to the NSW border in the south—has experienced the most sustained growth of any Australian, let alone SEQ, city.
Over half of the investment on the Gold Coast will be spent on transport infrastructure, with $6.34 billion earmarked for road, public transport and freight projects.
“Significant population and activity growth on the Gold Coast poses a challenge to the capability of its existing local transport system,” Ms Bligh said.
“Improvements to the road system are only part of the solution—public transport will play an increasing role in moving people efficiently.”
The first phase of the Infrastructure Plan (2007–08 to 2010–11) addresses four major transport issues on the Gold Coast:
Constructing the Gold Coast Rapid Transit System: A high-quality public transport corridor will link Helensvale railway station to Broadbeach and Coolangatta by 2015.
Increasing capacity and patronage on the Gold Coast rail line: Sections of the track are being duplicated and extension of the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes is proposed.
Upgrading of the Pacific Motorway: This is a critical inter- and intra-regional link that must be preserved. Additional lanes between Nerang and Tugun, and improved local transport connections are planned, while construction of the Tugun Bypass is expected to be finished ahead of schedule in mid-2008.
Improving the east–west road and public transport links within the Gold Coast: Improved road and public transport links between existing and emerging Activity Centres will support continued economic growth and make best use of the passenger rail line.
Funding has also been identified for energy ($1.646 billion), health ($1.476 billion), education ($821 million), recreation ($162 million) and vocational, education and training ($30 million) infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
Electricity demand in Queensland is growing at twice the rate of other states. To meet this demand, new transmission and distribution network infrastructure must be constructed.
The State Government’s investment in energy infrastructure includes the construction in 2006–07 of a transmission line between Beaudesert and the Gold Coast to augment the latter’s electricity network.
Most of the funding earmarked for health infrastructure will be spent on the $1.23 billion Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands, the master planning for which is already underway.
Due to be completed in 2012, the 750-bed tertiary hospital will have strong links to medical education and research.
A total of $82 billion has been earmarked for priority infrastructure projects, investigations, planning, design and construction in SEQ over the next 20 years.
This is $16 billion more than the amount identified in the 2006 Infrastructure Plan.
The new items in the updated plan include a new infrastructure category (justice services), the inclusion of Port of Brisbane Corporation activities, and additional water infrastructure commitments.
“Fortunately, Queensland is in an enviably strong financial position to deliver the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of a booming population,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s fair to say that infrastructure provision in Queensland is in overdrive at present, but the Queensland Government is delivering the projects as scheduled and is on track to deliver the remainder.
“In partnership with local governments of the region and the private sector, the Queensland Government is ensuring the SEQ Infrastructure Plan becomes reality.”
Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s office 3224 6900