2022-23 Federal Budget: $3.9bn funding for QLD infrastructure projects

Queensland will continue benefitting from the Australian Government’s record infrastructure investment with the recently announced 2022-23 Federal Budget that includes a $3.9 billion commitment for new and existing infrastructure projects in the State. 

The multi-billion-dollar investment will not only create jobs and drive economic growth but will also keep commuters as well as freight safe and moving. 

Since 2013, the Australian Government has invested more than $35.9 billion to deliver 349 road and rail infrastructure projects across Queensland, 155 of which have already been completed. 

Infrastructure projects in the State that are currently under construction are anticipated to support about 20,500 jobs over the life of the projects. 

“By investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the State. 

“Our investments in these infrastructure projects will support more than 11,000 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the State,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

Key new projects in Queensland funded through the 2022-23 Budget include: 

• $1.6 billion for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast (Beerwah-Maroochydore) rail extension 
• $1.121 billion for the Brisbane to the Gold Coast (Kuraby – Beenleigh) Faster Rail Upgrade 
• $150 million for the Brisbane Metro – Woolloongabba Station 
• $396 million for the South East Queensland City Deal 
• $27.2 million for three business cases for upgrades on the Bruce Highway between Anzac Highway between Anzac Avenue and Caboolture Bribie Island Road 
• $22.5 million for Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032 business case development 
• $20 million for safety upgrades on the Brisbane Valley Highway 

On the other hand, funding for existing project and Roads of Strategic Importance corridors include: 

• $68.5 million for the Cooktown to Weipa Corridor Upgrade bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $258.5 million 
• $11.5 million for the Tennant Creek to Townsville Corridor Upgrade bringing the total Australian Government funding to the corridor to $211.5 million 

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the significant infrastructure investment will aid sustainable growth across Queensland as well as help secure the State’s long-term prosperity and liveability. 

“The $1.6 billion commitment in this Budget for the Beerwah-Maroochydore rail extension and the $1.121 billion for Kuraby – Beenleigh Faster Rail will bring enhanced connectivity between Brisbane and major regional centres to the north and south, forming part of a strategic 200 kilometre North-South rail corridor, with Brisbane at the centre. 

“The Kuraby to Beenleigh Faster Rail Upgrade will allow for the potential doubling of express and all stop services on the corridor, while the new rail extension to the Sunshine Coast could see travel times between Beerwah and Maroochydore be as low as 20 minutes. 

“With the 2032 Olympic Games just a decade away, it is critical that we plan and invest in the required infrastructure now so that Queensland is not only well equipped to host a successful Games, but can support sustainable growth over the coming decades,” Minister Fletcher said. 

Below is the list of new and existing projects that will receive funding through the $3.9 billion investment for Queensland. 

New Projects

Additional Funding for Existing Projects

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Minister Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts