SEQ Infrastructure Plan Tops $100 Billion

More than $100 billion will be invested in infrastructure in South East Queensland over the next 20 years, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas said the updated SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008-2026 included 60 new projects worth around $20 billion and would see a total investment across the region reach $107 billion.

The SEQ Infrastructure Plan — first released in 2005 and updated annually — aims to ensure the region continues to meet the infrastructure demands of its burgeoning population, which is expected to reach 4.3 million people by 2026.

“Our blueprint for infrastructure delivery shows just how serious the State Government is about building the projects we need now and for the future,” Mr Lucas said.

“Right now people can see work underway on the road, transport, water and other infrastructure projects that will cater for growth in the fastest growing part of Australia.

“Construction will start later this year on the Airport Link and Northern Busway tunnel, while the Tugun Bypass and Inner Northern Busway are already complete - both ahead of schedule.

“We’ve got major rail upgrades across the region and the water grid is progressing well and is on track to deliver water by the end of the year.”

Mr Lucas said the 2008 SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Program was a major update that included new projects and more detail on a number of significant projects.

“Not only does it include 60 new projects but we’ve also moved from studies and initial concepts on a number of major projects to detailed design works.

“We’re only three years into the program, yet more than 160 projects have been completed, another 290 projects are underway and around $8.5 billion has been invested so far.

“The first three years of delivery have seen a massive response from both industry and government to deliver nearly triple the amount of infrastructure being delivered at the beginning of the decade.

“The review involved a comprehensive analysis of the previous plan, input from local government and industry, considered impacts of infrastructure delivery on industry and took account of other emerging issues to develop a strengthened plan for the region.

“As part of the review the government has taken account of increased construction costs and implications from the current economic market into updated project estimated costs.

“Additional investment has arisen through the indexation of costs to 2008 dollars, inclusion of more projects, rising construction costs, more detailed cost estimates on planned projects and inclusion of projects arising from investigations, particularly in the area of transport.”

Mr Lucas said there had also been changes to the delivery schedule of a number of projects with some finishing sooner, others later and some with new start dates but scheduled to finish at the same time.

Highlights of the new SEQ Infrastructure Plan 2008-2026 include:

• Estimated investment in infrastructure to $107 billion,
• 60 new projects, worth around $20 billion,
• 300 identifiable projects for remainder of the plan and hundreds more in sub-projects,
• Three years into the program, more than 160 projects have been completed, 290 are underway and more than $8.5 billion has been invested.
• $83.5 billion in road, rail and public transport projects including investigations,
• almost $8 billion in water infrastructure,
• $3.5 billion spending on energy,
• $5.2 billion in health infrastructure,
• $3.5 billion on education and training,
• $3.3 billion in justice and corrective services,
• $176 million in industry development and over, and
• $100 million in sport and recreation.

“It is important that the government continues to work with industry to ensure the right skills and resources are available to deliver the reviewed SEQ Infrastructure Plan program on time and on budget.

“In partnership with other levels of government and the private sector, the Queensland Government is ensuring the SEQ Infrastructure Plan becomes a reality.”

Mr Lucas said The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005–2026 (SEQ Regional Plan) is also currently under review with a draft to be released in December 2008 and final plan to be released in 2009.

The South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008-2026 is available from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website www.dip.qld.gov.au

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge – 0419 757 868 Matthew Klar – 0437 435 223