Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) congratulates Annastacia Palaszczuk on the Queensland Labor Party’s re-election to government on Saturday. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Premier and Cabinet to ensure that Queenslanders have access to world-class infrastructure that will support the state’s economic recovery and growth.
After securing a majority in parliament, QCMA CEO, Andrew Chapman, encouraged the Premier to use the next four years to create a legacy of infrastructure that can support economic growth, “The Premier and her cabinet have a unique opportunity to create an infrastructure legacy for all Queenslanders. The time is nigh for bold investment in economic infrastructure for the future”
“We were pleased to see funding for several key projects outlined in the election campaign, such as the Coomera Connector. But, in addition to those, the state government must focus on progressing Inland Rail- this key project needs to be approved ASAP, The SEQ City Deal, SEQ Olympics bid and should consider bold moves such as Fast Rail to transform the state. Key resources projects such as New Acland mine must also be approved.”
“In Central and North Queensland more must be done to support the NW mineral province and to improve energy transmission and renewable energy projects. Water security across the state is an important issue needing a focus.”
“Construction and infrastructure have the potential to drive the state’s recovery, and we would urge the Premier to work with all levels of government to ensure that the state has a fully funded pipeline of works across the state,” said Mr Chapman. “There are many different approaches to funding the works. With interest rates low, now is the time to invest further in infrastructure, that is good debt; equally the private sector can and is willing to work alongside the government to help co-fund, or invest directly into economic infrastructure in QLD. We encourage the Government to look at these options,” said Mr Chapman.
Industry also called on the Premier to ensure that the state has the right policies in place to give the sector confidence and investors certainty.
“The sector is predicted to see significant drops in employment and activity from 2022/23 without commitments to future projects, the midpoint of the next parliamentary term, and the state government has a pivotal role to play in addressing the shortfall through a proactive approach to planning and funding projects.”
“Central to the Premier’s election campaign was the management of the economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With construction a critical element of the state’s future growth, the Queensland Government must adopt policy settings across Industrial Relations that support and help the construction industry be productive, investment and project approvals that allow the industry to thrive and investment to flow into Queensland” said Mr Chapman.
