CITY DEAL FOR SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

The Morrison Government has committed to working with the Queensland Government and local councils in South East Queensland to develop a City Deal for the region.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Federal Government was already delivering billions of dollars of funding for congestion busting roads and rail projects and this new deal would help unlock further investment.

 

 “I want people to get home sooner and have dinner as a family. I want tradies to spend less time on the road and more time at the worksite,” the Prime Minister said.

 

“We want to ensure Queensland remains a major tourism destination and one of the world’s premier locations to live, work and raise a family.”

 

It will be the second City Deal for Queensland following the policy being first established in Townsville.

 

It comes in addition to the Morrison Government piloting a Regional Deal for the Bundaberg Hervey Bay region.

 

The commitment to an SEQ City Deal is supported by Queensland LNP MPs and Senators who have campaigned for funding to support the diverse sectors within the region including tourism, manufacturing and education.

 

The Morrison Government has been working with the SEQ Council of Mayors, in particular Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, on the recently released People Mass Movement Studywhich explores the impact of population growth on the region’s ability to cope with future transport demand.

 

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to the people of South East Queensland and to making the region even more liveable than it already is.

 

“South East Queensland is already home to over two thirds of the state’s population and is expected to accommodate 5.3 million people within 25 years’ time,” Minister Tudge said.

 

“We need to cater for this rising population and the SEQ City Deal will be a huge step forward in making sure the people of South East Queensland get the most out of living in this beautiful region.

 

“I along with the Prime Minister will be meeting with the SEQ Mayors to discuss the Deal, and we will also be working constructively with the Queensland Government as we have already in Townsville.”

 

The Liberal and Nationals Government is already investing $7.2 billion into major transport infrastructure projects within the region including:

o   $2.7 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast;

o   $1.2 billion for six projects to bust congestion on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast;

o   $1.1 billion to construct the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing;

o   $902 million to increase the efficiency of Brisbane’s motorway network by building the Gateway Upgrade North and;

o   $390 million to duplicate the North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough and provide further improvements to Nambour

o   $300 million to support better public transport via the Brisbane Metro;

o   $207 million to support construction of Stage 2 (Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale), and Stage 3A (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads) of the Gold Coast Light Rail project; 

o   $200 million for additional lanes on the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Oxley;

o   $170 million for critical safety upgrades at the Yamanto and Amberley intersections with the Cunningham Highway; and

o   $20 million for safety and congestion works along Bribie Island Road.

 

Earlier this month the Morrison Government also committed $244 million for a range of local congestion busting road, and park and ride, projects through its $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund.