$45 billion infrastructure Budget to build future Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government’s upcoming Budget will deliver a massive $45 billion of infrastructure over the next four years.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment was a stimulus package for the local economy.

“I promised to keep growing our economy and I’m delivering,” the Premier said.

“This Budget will see $45 billion invested in infrastructure across the next four years, building our cities and regional Queensland for the future.

“That’s a big number, with investment up $2 billion on last year’s Budget and almost five times what the Federal Government is investing in our state’s infrastructure.

“This massive spend will drive our economy, supporting 38,000 Queensland jobs every year.

“From the Cairns Convention Centre to Cross River Rail, the M1 to the Townsville Stadium, my government is about delivering the important projects that our communities need as they grow.”

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the investment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to Queensland’s future.

“The government’s four-year $45 billion infrastructure plan will deliver the right projects in the right place at the right time to meet the demands of our fast-growing state,” Ms Trad said.

“As Queensland transitions to a more innovative, diverse and productive economy, it is vital that our infrastructure maximises our opportunities and provides long-term sustainable benefits.

“Across the state, public infrastructure is a driver for transformative change, encouraging private investment and making our communities better places to live.

“This Budget recognises that and includes the biggest infrastructure spend since 2011, after the flood recovery.

“It means great schools for our kids, high-quality healthcare no matter where you live and better roads and public transport to get people home faster. Meeting the infrastructure challenge now will ensure our economy is sustainable for the future.”

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Cameron Dick said the investment was important for a growing population.

“Our population has just reached five million. It will continue to grow by around 100,000 a year over the next 20 years,” Mr Dick said.

“Queensland is the country’s top destination for interstate migration.

“It is essential that a growing State plans for the future and provides the infrastructure needed to accommodate population growth.

“Good planning and providing proper infrastructure lead to economic development, jobs and the creation of communities in which people want to live.”
2018-19 Infrastructure Budget Overview –

• Over the forward estimates, the Queensland Government will allocate $45 billion to provide essential infrastructure and capital works to meet the increasing service needs of Queenslanders and promote increased productivity and efficiency for the State’s industries.
• In 2018–19 alone, the Queensland Government will deliver a $11.5 billion capital program focused on growing the Queensland economy through job-creating investment, infrastructure and innovation across the state.
• This is a $1.4 billion increase from the $10.1 billion allocated for 2017–-18.
• According to the Federal Budget papers, the Federal Government is projected to provide $7.5 billion in infrastructure funding to the Queensland Government over the forward estimates.
• In 2018–19, the Federal Government is projected to provide $1.8 billion in infrastructure funding to the Queensland Government, which equates to just 15.4 percent of the State’s estimated capital spend.

Media contacts:

Shane Doherty (Premier’s office) 0439 624 473
Clare Manton (Deputy Premier’s office) 0432 446 268