The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a four-year $52.2 billion infrastructure pipeline, including 53 projects across the Wide Bay and Burnett, to stimulate job creation and further grow our economy.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders 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 Maryborough and across the Wide Bay," Mr Saunders said.
"The population in Wide Bay and Burnett is expected to grow by 15 per cent to 347,827 by 2036.
"Queensland's new infrastructure pipeline includes over 50 projects to meet the needs of our growing region.
"This includes projects like a new Queensland fire and emergency services complex in Maryborough, supporting construction jobs and improving services."
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the government was delivering important infrastructure projects to 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 Smith said.
"This is expected to directly support around 46,500 jobs – nearly 30,000 of these in the regions.
"Projects including a new Agriculture and Horticulture Centre in Bundaberg will not only create construction jobs, but once complete, support jobs in training and education."
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the pipeline included projects in transport, renewable energy, health, education, and water security.
"The Government's infrastructure pipeline includes upgrades to Hervey Bay Nursing and Allied Health facility and a new water police facility."
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
