A record $6 billion worth of infrastructure projects will continue or get under way in the near future as part of state Budget announcements today.
After receiving criticism from industry groups and business for not providing enough funding for capital works in recent Budgets, Treasurer Terry Mackenroth says the strong economy and strong financial management has allowed spending to be increased to record levels.
"Queensland is the growth state of Australia and while this growth brings many benefits it also brings challenges for transport systems and other infrastructure," he says.
"Already this year we have announced an extra $487 million for various road projects as well as a new four-year $571 million Arterial Roads Infrastructure package."
The $571 million Arterial Roads Infrastructure package will be used for:
- stages 2 and 3 of the Caboolture Northern Bypass
- a new two-lane link between Caloundra and Mooloolaba
- four-laning of the Gold Coast Highway between Robert and Stevens Streets
- four-laning of the Nerang-Broadbeach Road from Allambe Cemetery to Ross Street.
Key infrastructure projects contained in today's Budget include:
Transport
- $622 million has been allocated for spending on the rail network
- $351.1 million to increase the capacity of the state's air and sea port infrastructure
- a further $500 million over four years to build on the $400 million MetTrip investment announced in the Smart State Building Fund for the Citytrain network upgrades.
Energy
- more than $1.6 billion will be spent on energy infrastructure, including $1.2 billion on expanding and upgrading Queensland's transmission and distribution network
- $36.8 million for improvements at Callide, Swanbank and Mica Creek power stations and $26.4 million for Brisbane CBD substation works.
Education and Training
- $452 million on capital works for the sector
- $37.1 million for the construction and refurbishment of TAFE training facilities
- $145.8 million for a new school at Narangba, undertake new major stages at nine schools, make land acquisitions and provide more than 200 new classrooms at existing schools in growth areas
- $118 million has been provided for building improvements at schools, including library upgrades, security upgrades, and information and communication technology upgrades.
Health
- $406.4 million, including $54.1 million for major hospital and health redevelopment projects in Ingham, Weipa, Gympie, Redcliffe, Redlands, Robina, Logan, Atherton and Hervey Bay.