Project pipeline taps into jobs and growth in Far North Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a four-year $52.2 billion infrastructure pipeline, including 81 projects in Far North Queensland, to stimulate job creation and further grow our economy.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the Queensland Government Infrastructure Pipeline (QGIP), released today, was a key part of Far North Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan. 

“Thanks to our strong health response, we’re in the best possible position to create more jobs in Cairns and Far North Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.

“Far North Queensland’s population is projected to grow 23 per cent to 358,526 by 2036.

“Queensland’s new infrastructure pipeline includes over 80 projects to meet the needs of our growing region.”

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the Queensland Government was delivering important infrastructure projects that support jobs.

“In 2021-22, $14.7 billion is being invested, with more than 60 per cent being spent outside Greater Brisbane,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is expected to directly support around 46,500 jobs – nearly 30,000 of these in regional Queensland.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the investment will support economic growth, create jobs and ensure the provision of high-quality services.

“Projects like the Cairns Health Innovation Centre and the new Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Cairns will support hundreds of jobs in construction,” Mr Healy said. 

“These projects will also support long-term jobs in kay industries including health, innovation education and high-end manufacturing.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the government is delivering state-shaping projects in transport, renewable energy, health, education, and water security.

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering important projects including improvement works across the Mareeba-Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme to create new allocations by reducing water losses,” Ms Lui.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Steven Miles said the Queensland Government Infrastructure Pipeline (QGIP) includes more than 1000 projects in delivery and planning across Queensland.

“The $52.2 billion four-year capital program will continue to be the cornerstone of our economic recovery plan and deliver on our $50 billion Infrastructure Guarantee,” Mr Miles said.

“Last financial year, we delivered 93 per cent of our capital program budget.

“In dollar terms, this is one of the best performances over the last decade and a notable achievement given the disruption caused by COVID-19.”

Mr Miles said QGIP brings together the current capital program and adds a planning pipeline that details proposals that are in the planning stage and still subject to further consideration.

“Providing early visibility of potential future infrastructure projects, in addition to the delivery pipeline of funded increases industry confidence in Queensland as a place to invest,” he said.

“We are leveraging more investment in Queensland and driving jobs growth as part of our economic recovery.”

Queenslanders are also being encouraged to have their say on the draft 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy (SIS) now open for consultation.

The draft strategy sets out the Queensland Government’s approach to connecting regions and creating liveable communities with essential services and infrastructure.

Comment can be provided online with consultation opening on today (9 September) and set to close on 7 October 2021: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/state-infrastructure-strategy

To view the QGIP visit: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/infrastructure/infrastructure-planning-and-policy

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484