Energy provision and transport infrastructure projects will receive a massive slice of the $6 billion capital works program announced in this week's state Budget.
A total of $671.45 million will be spent on energy infrastructure projects, with the bulk ($529.5 million) going to a project to enhance Ergon Energy's electricity distribution network across regional and rural Queensland.
Other major energy projects include:
- $58.8 million towards the $167 million expansion of the RG Tanna coal terminal in Gladstone
- $33.15 million for capital works associated with Enertrade's completion of the north Queensland gas pipeline project
- $36.8 million for ongoing overhaul work at Callide, Swanbank and Mica Creek power stations
- $8.3 million for a substation and two feeders in the Tewantin area
- $4.9 million for new substations at Bargara and Point Vernon in the Wide Bay/Burnett region.
Additionally, this year's Budget commits $115.1 million for the $254.8 million Burnett water infrastructure project, $29.5 million for common user infrastructure associated with the Comalco alumina refinery, $28.6 million for the Mackay wastewater reuse scheme and $5 million of $67.5 million over five years to modernise the Ross River Dam.
Regional transport infrastructure includes $227.9 million for maintaining and upgrading rail track infrastructure on the coal network, including construction of a new 110-kilometre spur line to the Xstrata Rolleston coal project, $19.5 million as part of total funding of $237 million over four years to improve the Sunshine Coast Motorway, $6.24 million for improvements to the Peak Downs Highway and $6.6 million for improvements to the port of Weipa.
Security and baggage facilities at the Cairns Airport will be upgraded ($34.3 million) as part of a long-term redevelopment by the Cairns Port Authority - and $8.5 million will be spent on refurbishing the Cairns Convention Centre.