Project pipeline taps into jobs and growth in Central Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a four-year $52.2 billion infrastructure pipeline, including 86 projects in Central Queensland, to stimulate job creation and further grow our economy as our state recovers from COVID-19.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the Queensland Government Infrastructure Pipeline (QGIP), released today, was a key part of the region’s Economic Recovery Plan. 

“Thanks to our strong health response, we’re in the best possible position to create more jobs in Central Queensland,” Mr Butcher said.

“In CQ, the population is expected to grow by 16 per cent to over 275,000 people by 2036.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s new infrastructure pipeline includes over 86 projects to meet the needs of our growing region, including school upgrades at Tannum Sands, Rosella Park, Ambrose and Gladstone Central.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the government was delivering important infrastructure projects that support jobs in regional Queensland.

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

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

“Projects like the major refurbishment of the Rockhampton Ambulance Station and Communication Centre are creating jobs in construction and reducing response times for ambulances.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the pipeline included projects in transport, renewable energy, health, education, and water security.

“Growing jobs and improving transport infrastructure is a critical part of our Economic Recovery Plan,” she said.  

“The Government’s infrastructure pipeline includes upgrades to Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road; Emu Park – Rockhampton Road; Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence) and Neilsen Avenue to Plentiful Creek safety improvements.”

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.

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

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

“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