2024-25 QLD Budget highlights $107bn infrastructure investment, supporting thousands of jobs

The Queensland Government has released the State Budget 2024-25, highlighting a $107.262 billion infrastructure investment to be delivered under the Big Build program over the next four years. 

Queensland’s transformational Big Build will continue delivering infrastructure needed to support the growing State by creating new industries, more jobs, better communities and stronger regions. 

This capital program prioritises the delivery of infrastructure that will help decarbonise the State’s energy system, expand health capacity as well as prepare the regions for the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

About $27.1 billion in capital investment to be spent in 2024-25 will directly support up to 72,000 jobs across Queensland – with approximately 50,000 or 69 per cent of these jobs located outside the Greater Brisbane region. 

Over the 13 years to 2027-28, the Queensland Government will have supported more than $225 billion in infrastructure works. 

“Queensland’s big build is under construction right now and that means one thing – jobs. 

“Now, this budget leverages Queensland’s position at the forefront of new industries to drive even greater investment and a record level of job creation. 

“That’s in regional infrastructure development, battery innovation and manufacturing and to unlock housing development. 

“There’s so much to be proud of in this budget, and Queensland’s Big build is one of them,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

Critical Transport Infrastructure 

As Queensland’s population continues to grow alongside the State’s geographical size and vastness, a strong transport network is crucial to connect and support communities and industries. 

These transport infrastructure projects will be delivered under the record $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) over the next four years to 2027-28. 

The 2024-25 Budget supports key regional transport projects including: 

• The construction of a new 37.8-kilometre Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line between Beerwah and Maroochydore, the longest spur line ever delivered in South East Queensland. Stage 1 will be a 19-kilometre dual track connecting Beerwah to Caloundra. At a total commitment of $5.5 billion (split 50:50 with the Australian Government), construction is expected to commence in 2026, and delivered by 2032. Future stages will connect Caloundra with Birtinya and Maroochydore. 
• Construction of the Coomera Connector (Stage 1), Coomera to Nerang will reduce pressure on the M1 by providing an alternative route for the growing communities and commercial hubs of Helensvale and Coomera. At a total cost of $3.026 billion (jointly funded with the Australian Government), the 16-kilometre Stage 1 is expected to progressively open to traffic in late 2025. 
• The ongoing Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, which includes total budgets of $1.730 billion to construct the Rockhampton Ring Road, $1.162 billion to construct Cooroy to Curra (Section D), $948 million for the upgrade between Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road (Stage 1), and $336 million towards a bypass of Tiaro to increase the flood immunity, safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway. 
• Construction of Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail, from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, will connect to the existing Gold Coast Light Rail, providing eight additional stations, at a total estimated cost of $1.219 billion (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council). 
• Committing $5.75 billion (split 50:50 with the Australian Government) for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (Kuraby to Beenleigh) upgrade, with a plan to increase the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four tracks, with modernised rail systems, station upgrades and level crossing removals along this 20-kilometre corridor. 

“We’re investing to get you home sooner, to get you there safer and to keep you moving – your way. 

“This QTRIP is a responsible, sustainable investment program that ensures we can continue to deliver on Queensland’s top transport priorities. 

“We all know the market is tough – inflation is creating significant challenges for projects all over the country. 

“This is a value-for-money QTRIP, with a big focus on where it matters – safety, reliability, resilience, accessibility and regional connectivity,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan 

The Queensland Budget 2024-25 includes a record investment of $26 billion over the next four years in renewable energy assets that will help drive the State’s energy transformation to reduce emissions across the renewable energy sector and the broader Queensland economy. 

The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) was released in 2022 and it outlines an infrastructure investment pathway to 2035 to deliver clean, reliable and affordable power. 

Through QEJP, State Government-owned corporations can lead the way to the Queensland’s energy transformation by building, owning and operating new renewable energy and storage assets while partnering with the private sector to deliver clean and reliable energy to customers across Queensland. 

The landmark capital investment from the 2024-25 Budget covers new publicly owned investments including: 

• $16.5 billion for renewable energy and storage projects 
• $8.5 billion for transmission infrastructure, including CopperString 2032, SuperGrid and Renewable Energy Zone transmission works 
• $500 million for distribution network storage, including Energy Queensland’s Local Network Battery Plan and Local Renewable Energy Zone Pilot Projects 
• $192 million for Powerlink to develop Transmission and Training Hubs in Townsville and Gladstone 

These projects are supported by coal royalties set aside in the 2023-24 Budget and the $4.5 billion Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund. 

In addition, the Queensland Government is ensuring that energy workers at existing publicly owned coal-fired power stations and associated coal mines are given access to new jobs and training or financial assistance through the $150 million Job Security Guarantee Fund. This framework complements the conversion of publicly owned power station sites into clean energy hubs by 2035. 

“The energy transition is the greatest jobs, economic and climate opportunity in a generation, and this additional investment shows our government’s commitment to ensuring Queensland takes full advantage. 

“Whether you’re a boilermaker in Bundy, a welder in Winton, or a miner in Mackay, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan locks in job and energy security for all Queenslanders. 

“This Budget will ensure the Energy and Jobs Plan continues to evolve and ensure our transition from a fossil-fuel economy to one supported by clean energy,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said. 

Supporting the Regions 

The recently released Budget highlights an $18.568 billion investment in capital projects outside Greater Brisbane that will support around 50,000 jobs. 

This includes the $1.1 billion Works for Queensland program that will continue supporting local governments outside South East Queensland by providing funds for job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects relating to assets owned or controlled by local governments. 

Approximately $124.5 million will be committed towards Works for Queensland projects in 2024-25. 

In recent years, Queensland’s regions have experienced a several natural disasters such as floods and cyclones and the State Government is supporting communities with their recovery while also investing to reduce the impacts of future events. 

The 2024-25 Budget is allocating $100 million over three years from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Efficiencies – which is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments – to support a suite of high priority disaster resilience and mitigation infrastructure and non-infrastructure programs and projects. 

On top of the QEJP, key projects in rural and regional Queensland will also be delivered including health facilities under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program, new regional school facilities, Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse improvements, replacement of the Bowen Wharf, raising and improving Burdekin Falls Dam, the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project, and the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project. 

“Queensland is growing and changing, and there are some incredible opportunities ahead of us: the Miles Government is making sure we are grasping those opportunities with both hands. 

“When it comes to the jobs of the future, we are leading the way by providing strategic support and funding to industries like batteries, sustainable aviation fuel, and other renewable energy projects. This will ensure our well-established manufacturing and industrial communities right across the state can reap the rewards of an increasingly decarbonised economy, and not be left behind. 

“Our $107 billion Big Build will deliver the hospitals, roads, rail, housing, school, healthcare and energy infrastructure we need, supporting 72,000 jobs in 2024-25 alone – 50,000 of them outside Greater Brisbane,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said. 

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 

The Queensland Government is committing funding through the 2024-25 Budget to support preparations for the much-anticipated Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

An additional $62 million over four years from 2024-25 will provided alongside $14 million per annum ongoing to 2032-33 for the preparation of additional Project Validation Reports and establishment costs for the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority – which will be transferred to the Authority once established. 

The Queensland and Australian Governments have agreed to jointly fund the $7.1 billion venues infrastructure program to support the hosting of the 2032 Games. 

Funding allocation for specific venues projects is subject to government investment decisions that will follow the completion of project assessment activities. 

Brisbane 2032 Infrastructure 

The 2024-25 State Budget will provide a total capital expenditure of $7.1 billion over nine years to 2032-33 for the Brisbane 2032 Games. 

Consistent with the State Government’s response to the Sport Venue Review, the venues infrastructure program will include the Brisbane Arena ($2.5 billion), upgrades to the Queensland State Athletics Centre and refurbishment of the Gabba Stadium and Suncorp Stadium ($2.7 billion), and 15 new or upgraded venues under the Minor Venues Program ($1.9 billion). 

About $560 million has been allocated for minor venue works that are now in procurement. This includes the Chandler Indoor Sports Centre, Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Sunshine Coast Indoor Sport Centre, Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, and Sunshine Coast Stadium. 

The total forecast expenditure for the venues’ infrastructure program over four years to 2027-28 sits at $3.247 billion. 

“The 2032 Games will put Brisbane and Queensland on the world stage: we are determined not only to make the most of our time in the global spotlight, but to deliver an incredible legacy right across the state including new and upgraded community sport venues. 

“We’ve passed the legislation for the new independent delivery authority with interim CEO Emma Thomas starting July 1 and applications for the board now open,” Minister Grace said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements (1, 2, 3, 4); Queensland Budget 2024-25; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia