$1.8 billion South East Queensland city deal one step closer
The South East Queensland City Deal is one step closer to fruition, with all three levels of government expected to sign off on the $1.8 billion project.
Key points:
- The deal will deliver projects from Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast
- It is expected that the $1.8 billion investment will generate more than 2,000 jobs
- There will be $450 million put towards the new Brisbane Metro Station at Woolloongabba
Its designers say the deal will facilitate more than 30 projects focused on upgrading the region’s transport network, the digital network and the region’s “liveability”.
Under the proposal, all three levels of government will contribute funding, along with money also to come from industry:
- The federal government is to invest $667.77 million
- The state government is to provide $618.78 million
- The Council of Mayors of South East Queensland is to jointly tip in $501.62 million
- An additional $75 million is to come from industry
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all three levels of government had come together to support the growing population of south-east Queensland.
“South-east Queensland is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia and, with the population expected to continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come,” he said.
“From Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast, and everywhere in between, this deal delivers for south-east Queenslanders.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said “the winners are Queenslanders”.
“The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population,” she said.
Key transport infrastructure projects include:
- Federal government and Brisbane City Council will partner to build the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge ($190.2 million)
- All three levels of government will co-invest in a new Brisbane Metro station at Woolloongabba ($450 million)
- The federal and state government and Logan City Council will “support” the revitalisation of the Loganlea/Meadowbrook precinct ($45 million)
- The federal and state government and Redland City Council will upgrade the Ferry Terminal at Junner Street, Dunwich on North Stradbroke ($41 million)
- There will also be various studies and reports prepared on road, public transport and urban revitalisations projects
Gabba transport hub ‘real centrepiece of this deal’
Ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, federal Communications and Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said the Woolloongabba metro station was the “real centrepiece of this deal”.
“We need to prepare for the growth that south-east Queensland is experiencing … also the Olympics — while this is not the Olympics deal between governments, it’s an important pre-cursor and demonstration of our collected capability to agreed priorities,” he said.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said it would become a major new transport hub.
“People will be able to change from Metro to trains here, access our new train station and of course get to and from the fantastic Olympics venue, the Gabba that will be rebuilt.”
More than $100 million will go towards progressing the region towards a circular economy by developing a region-wide approach to managing waste.
Telecommunications networks will also receive a boost of $70 million to upgrade infrastructure and digital connectivity.
The South East Queensland Liveability Fund will receive a $285 million boost to assist in the delivery of council projects with social and economic priority.