Queensland Major Contractors Association has welcomed the mid-year update to Infrastructure Australia’s infrastructure priority list, and the announcement of additional Queensland projects earmarked as high priority or priority initiatives.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Chapman believes the projects will ensure that the state has a robust future pipeline of projects which will enable Queensland to have access to improved existing and vital new infrastructure.
“We welcome the update from Infrastructure Australia and industry is ready to collaborate with the State and Federal Governments to ensure that projects can be procured, designed and delivered efficiently and cost-effectively to support the state’s growth.
“Infrastructure investment is critical to the state’s economic well-being, and there is a clear need to progress projects that will create significant economic growth and lead the state’s post-COVID-19 recovery,” said Mr Chapman.
Key initiatives announced include the Mooloolah River Interchange and the Brisbane Northern Suburbs Corridor Capacity projects.
“Both projects are examples of infrastructure projects that will have direct and positive benefits for Queenslanders and will ensure that industry has a secure pipeline of future projects, fuelling confidence, certainty and investment by the sector.
“We would encourage the State and Federal Governments to collaborate further to ensure that, upon completion of their respective business cases, projects are funded and move through approval processes in a timely and efficient manner,” said Mr Chapman.
Ahead of the upcoming October state election, QMCA called on all major parties to put in place transparent commitments that clearly articulate their plans for infrastructure investment in 2021 and beyond.
“Construction and infrastructure are a vital part of the state’s economy as a key employer and contributor to growth, with every $1 invested in infrastructure returning $3 to the economy. In the lead up to the election, we would ask that all parties provide certainty as to how infrastructure investment will lead the state’s economic recovery and growth,” said Mr Chapman.
Before the election, QMCA will utilise data and insights from its Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report and working group policy research to develop a series of recommendations which, if enacted, will ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
“The October election will provide an opportunity for clarity relating to the long-term outlook for the sector and industry would encourage and welcome all parties’ plans, and commitments be released well ahead of election day. As an association, we will make a number of key election recommendations to support the sector and are committed to holding the next state government to account based on their pre-election promises made to industry,” said Mr Chapman.
