City Deal to transform South East Queensland

The Morrison and Palaszczuk Governments and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (SEQ) have today signed the SEQ City Deal – a joint commitment to deliver $1.8 billion worth of infrastructure that will transform the region.

 

The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant package of investments that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

 

The City Deal is supported by a $667.77 million investment from the Commonwealth, $618.78 million from the state and $501.62 from the SEQ Council of Mayors, plus $75 million from industry.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the SEQ City Deal was all about delivering for the people of South East Queensland.

 

“This is a partnership for Queensland jobs and Queensland investment to deliver a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

 

“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.

 

“From Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between, this Deal delivers for South East Queenslanders.

 

“We all share a vision of a more connected, liveable and export-competitive region, and this brings that vision to life.

 

“The economic impact of this major investment will be significant, with more than 30 projects set to generate more than 2,000 jobs, while ensuring that the state is in the best position possible to host a successful 2032 Olympics.”

 

Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.

 

“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.

 

“The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population.

 

“That includes new transport links for the Gabba in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

“The winners are Queenslanders.”

 

Key projects in the City Deal include:

• $450 million for the Gabba Brisbane Metro Station, to deliver enhanced transport connections and support the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games;
• $285 million for the SEQ Liveability Fund to deliver projects of social and economic priority for the councils;
• $150 million for the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund to support capital projects that promote and grow the region’s innovation economy;
• $105 million for resource recovery infrastructure to develop a region-wide approach to managing waste and progress the region to a circular economy;
• $70 million for digital connectivity projects to support place based telecommunications infrastructure and improved digital connectivity.

 

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said he was very pleased that the sustained work of deal partners over the past three years had now resulted in a deal being concluded.

 

“With three quarters of the state’s population already living in South East Queensland, it is vital that we plan and invest in the urban and social infrastructure that this region requires to support sustainable growth over the coming decades,” Minister Fletcher said.

 

“The investments that we are making through this Deal, in partnership with the State and local governments, will leave a lasting legacy on the region by providing improved transport links, important community infrastructure, and high quality jobs across multiple sectors.”

 

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the cooperation between all levels of government will ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.

 

“We have seen a recent surge in people looking to call SEQ home, and by 2041, the region is set to grow to 5.4 million residents,” Mr Miles said.

 

“A new Gabba Metro Station will improve linkages between cross-river rail and the Brisbane Metro at the Woolloongabba Olympic venue that create long-term improvements to the public transport network and transformational city shaping opportunities.”

 

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time.

 

“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.

 

“There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important. SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.

 

“We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come.

 

“This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”

For more information on the SEQ City Deal, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/city-deals/SEQ.