The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a four-year $52.2 billion infrastructure pipeline, including 72 projects in North and Western Queensland, to stimulate job creation and further grow our economy.
Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government Infrastructure Pipeline (QGIP), released today, was a key part of North Queensland's economic recovery plan.
"Thanks to our strong health response, we're in the best possible position to create more jobs in North Queensland and Western Queensland," Mr Stewart said.
"North and Western Queensland's population is projected to grow 24 per cent to 333,271 by 2036.
"Queensland's new infrastructure pipeline includes over 70 projects to meet the needs of our growing region."
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the 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 Harper said.
"This is expected to directly support around 46,500 jobs – nearly 30,000 of these in the regions, including North Queensland.
"Projects like the replacement police facility at Kirwan and new ambulance station at Burdell are supporting jobs in construction and improving service delivery."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the government was delivering projects in transport, renewable energy, health, education, and water security.
"Our capital investment is supporting economic growth, creating jobs and improving the liability of communities like Townsville," Mr Walker said.
"Projects in our pipeline include upgrades to the Bruce and Flinders highways and water supply 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.
"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
