Industry groups have largely praised Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's second Budget, although they are concerned about a number of cost hikes levied on business.
The Property Council of Australia commends Newman for delivering on his commitment to keeping Brisbane moving, allocating over $500 million to transport and traffic in the 2005/06 Brisbane City Council Budget.
Queensland executive director Robert Walker says he is pleased to see the Lord Mayor remaining strong in his resolve to fixing Brisbane's traffic and transport issues.
"The Property Council congratulates the Lord Mayor on boosting funds for public transport and for his commitment to improving the accessibility in and around Brisbane and relieving congestion," he says.
Newman outlined funding of $544 million for transport and traffic issues – an increase of more than 23% from last year. The progression on the TransApex system of tunnels has alone been allocated $85 million.
"The Property Council is pleased to see this large increase in funding for the delivery major infrastructure initiatives. We also support Cr Newman's commitment of $4 million for neighbourhood planning," he says.
"It is vitally important that we allocate funds to involving the community in the planning process, and Cr Newman has put his money where his mouth is.
"We are also especially pleased to see Council injecting nearly $20 million over the next three years on suburban centre improvement projects, starting with Indooroopilly and Zillmere."
Walker is also pleased to see that an additional $2.7 million had been committed to deal with the backlog of development applications.
"The Property Council welcomes this Budget from the Lord Mayor and his infrastructure focus and commitment. We look forward to working with him further on these issues," he says.
While the Budget addresses business' call for infrastructure investment, Commerce Queensland says there is concern over the contribution from the business sector.
The Budget allocates a record capital spending of $488.5 million, 62.2% of which will go to infrastructure development for the city.
However, the increase in commercial properties rates of 4.75%, where current inflation is 2.6%, is an issue for businesses in Brisbane, says CEO Joe Barnewall.
He points out that all the Brisbane community will benefit from the infrastructure investment; however, the funding comes at the expense of business.
"Development of infrastructure is vital in Brisbane. Current infrastructure is choked and with population booms predicted, future planning is what the city of Brisbane needs," he says.
"Record funding for major infrastructure projects, such as the North South Bypass Tunnel, is certainly welcome.
"But it is not good sense to fund it from the pockets of business."
Focus on increasing Council efficiency is also welcomed by the business community, says Barnewall, with this Budget cutting costs in procurement, travel and staff conferences to name a few.
An increase in public transport and road funding by 23% is much-needed to position Brisbane for further growth and economic prosperity, he adds.