QMCA has today welcomed Consult Australia’s report ‘Re-building the social licence for asset recycling’ as a much needed driver of debate.
QMCA’s CEO, Jon Davies, stated the importance of the work undertaken “QMCA welcomes the report by Consult Australia as we need to have a mature conversation about how we fund infrastructure in Queensland. If we are to keep up with the needs of a growing population and become a global player in tourism, agriculture, education, resources and manufacturing we have to consider all available funding options to pay for the required infrastructure.”
“In our recently released Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report, we too called for the State Government to reconsider their opposition to asset recycling, particularly the leasing of non-core assets such as ports and land which may be more palatable to the public than leasing energy or water assets.”
“In a state where we have a high level of debt, we would encourage Queensland Government to consider every available option to generate funding for infrastructure projects that will create new economy enhancing assets.” said Mr Davies.
As part of 8 key recommendations to help deliver the estimates $40bn of projects within the 2019 Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report, Recommendation 4 – Develop a Funding Plan stated:
Consider asset recycling. Other states, including New South Wales and Victoria, have already established long term plans for infrastructure development, and have made the hard decisions regarding funding and finance.
With its traditionally stronger population and economic growth, Queensland needs to develop a strategic plan for funding and financing infrastructure. As noted in previous Major Project Pipeline Reports, Queensland could leverage substantial infrastructure finance through asset recycling strategies.
Download a copy of the 2019 Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report.
