QLD Govt announces $32.1bn funding for road & transport infrastructure

The Queensland Government has revealed a record $32.1 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded road and transport infrastructure across the State over the next four years. 

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) for 2023-24 to 2026-27 will not only deliver much-needed road and transport infrastructure the State needs, but it will also support an average of 25,200 direct jobs. 

The recently released program of works will focus on a “pragmatic approach” to address the rising costs of labour and resources while, at the same time, delivering good jobs, better services as well as a great lifestyle for Queenslanders. 

“This year’s Queensland Transport and Roads Infrastructure Program (QTRIP) continues to invest in the critical infrastructure we need for Australia’s fastest growing population. 

“Supporting over 25,000 direct jobs right across the state, QTRIP delivers on safety, connectivity and accessibility. 

“Investing in road, rail, marine, passenger transport, and active transport means good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for Queenslanders,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

This year’s QTRIP is committed to delivering an affordable and sustainable pipeline of infrastructure projects that will continue to support the State’s economy, promote economic confidence and responsible project delivery. 

This program of works encompasses a range of infrastructure investment – including road, rail, marine, passenger transport and active transport projects – that will contribute to better connectivity, improved safety, and economic growth across Queensland. 

“QTRIP commits a $32.1 billion program of works right across the state over the next four years. 

“This continues our investment in significant projects for all Queensland communities, improving roads, rail and marine facilities, as well as boosting active and passenger transport services. 

“The commitment to delivering safe and connected road and transport infrastructure reflects the government’s adaptability to the ever-changing construction and job market dynamics,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

A good portion of the $32.1 billion investment will be allocated to projects in regional Queensland, outside of the Metropolitan region (outside of Brisbane, Ipswich and Redland local government areas), and these projects are estimated to support an average of 14,850 direct jobs over a four-year period. 

The Australian Government is the State Government’s key funding partner for the delivery of road and transport infrastructure. The Queensland Government acknowledges the Australian Government’s Independent Strategic Review of its Infrastructure Program, and outcomes of the Review might have some impact on jointly funded projects under QTRIP 2023-24 to 2026-27. 

The Australian Government is deferring any decisions on future infrastructure investment for the projects in the scope of the Review while it is being carried out. Through this process, the State Government will continue its advocacy for Queensland, reflecting the region’s status as the state with the fastest growing population. 

The Queensland Government will seek to ensure that the Australian Government maintains its current level of funding for the transport corridors that connect the State’s dispersed population and other priority locations. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will continue to implement initiatives that will help manage cost-related risk. This includes collaborative contracting, attracting and retaining a sustainable workforce as well as investing in research and innovation, applying value-engineering to option assessment, and product and service procurement strategies. 

Through QTRIP, $1.815 billion has been allocated to targeted road safety initiatives, complementing other investments in behavioural change initiatives that aim to reduce lives lost and serious injuries on State roads. This includes $500 million for the Road Safety Program, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government. 

The Program will also focus on delivering rail that will support the growing communities across Queensland. 

In addition, the Queensland Government is also investing in safe and connected active transport infrastructure as well as in marine infrastructure that will not only support recreational boating but will also enhance waterway infrastructure across the State, allowing Queenslanders to enjoy a great lifestyle out on the water. 

“Reducing road trauma and saving lives remains one of government’s highest priorities, and this year’s QTRIP investment builds upon a legacy of constant improvement to our roads through various safety programs. 

“QTRIP plays a pivotal role in unlocking economic prosperity and improving the well-being of Queensland communities. 

“By strengthening businesses, providing vital connections, and generating employment opportunities, the government’s transport network will enhance the overall quality of life for Queenslanders,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

The QTRIP 2023-24 to 2026-27 includes investment all around Queensland, including: 

South Coast Region – $5.504 billion program estimated to support an average of 4,130 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $2.163 billion Coomera Connector (Stage 1), Coomera to Nerang (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1776678 
• $1.219 billion Gold Coast Light Rail (Stage 3), Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council) 938148 
• $1 billion towards Pacific Motorway, Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) to Tugun (Exit 95) upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 852582 
• $1 billion funding commitment for Pacific Motorway, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway (jointly funded with the Australian Government). Project cost, scope and timing subject to further planning. 2054898 
• $750 million Pacific Motorway, Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 852345 
• $500 million New Gold Coast Stations (Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac) 2316082 
• $134.4 million Cunningham Highway (Ipswich – Warwick), 2020 Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements reconstruction works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1452806 
• $110.8 million Pacific Motorway, Exit 49, upgrade interchange (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1176064 
• $95.1 million towards Loganlea train station relocation (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1490266 
• $57.4 million towards Mount Lindesay Highway (Brisbane – Beaudesert), Johanna Street to South Street (Jimboomba), duplication 1776871 

Metropolitan Region – $4.565 billion program estimated to support an average of 3,500 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $1 billion funding commitment for Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government). This commitment is part of integrated planning underway for Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades. Project cost, scope and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government 15104170 
• $450 million funding commitment for Brisbane Metro, Woolloongabba Station (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council) 2383186 
• $352.5 million funding commitment towards Boundary Road (Coopers Plains) rail level crossing upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council) 1488479 
• $271.5 million towards Centenary Bridge Upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 669801 
• $209.3 million towards Beams Road (Carseldine and Fitzgibbon) upgrade rail level crossing (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council) 2248719 
• $172 million Northern Transitway, bus priority works 728940 
• $131.4 million towards Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1160465 
• $97 million Cleveland – Redland Bay Road, Anita Street to Magnolia Parade, duplicate to four lanes 1244428 
• $80 million Cleveland – Redland Bay Road, Anita Street to Giles Road, duplicate lanes 2781657 
• $25 million Cunningham Arterial Road (Ipswich Motorway) Rocklea to Darra, remaining sections, planning (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2369175 

North Coast Region – $3.147 billion program estimated to support an average of 2,460 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $948 million funding commitment for Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government). This commitment is part of integrated planning underway for Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades and considers upgrades to Gympie Arterial Road (between Strathpine Road and Gateway Motorway). Project cost, scope and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government 1509103 
• $733 million Brice Highway, Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2588655 
• $662.5 million Bruce Highway, Caboolture – Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 481355 
• $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 858087 
• $320 million Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade Stage 1 (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2007574 
• $250 million funding commitment for Bruce Highway, Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government). This commitment is part of integrated planning underway for Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades. Project cost, scope and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government 1739444 
• $105 million Bruce Highway, Pine River to Caloundra Road, Smart Motorways Stage 2 (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 371378 
• $75.2 million Strathpine – Samford Road, Eatons Crossing Road and Mount Samson Road intersection, improve safety 1572868 
• $39.3 million towards Caboolture – Bribie Island Road, upgrade program (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1158882 
• $36.4 million towards Caboolture – Bribie Island Road, Hickey Road to King Johns Creek, upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1779573 

Wide Bay Burnett District – $1.231 billion program estimated to support an average of 1,070 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $1 billion Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Section D, construction (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 686965 
• $336 million Bruce Highway, Tiaro Bypass, construct four lane bypass (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 371601 
• $45.9 million towards Maryborough – Hervey Bay Road and Pialba – Burrum Heads Road, upgrade intersection (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2006450 
• $44.2 million Bruce Highway (Gympie – Benaraby) various locations, upgrade culverts (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1875515 
• $41.9 million Isis Highway (Bundaberg – Childers), various locations, improve safety 1776639 
• $31.4 million towards Torbanlea – Pialba Road, various locations, upgrade intersections and floodways (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1219670 
• $23.9 million D’Aguilar Highway, Alexander Lane to Bunya Highway, improve safety 1388289 
• $18.5 million Booral Road and Boundary Road (Urangan), intersection upgrade 2182485 
• $12.5 million Bruce Highway and Buxton Road, upgrade intersection (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1459506 

Darling Downs District – $821 million program estimated to support an average of 830 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $46.7 million towards Gore Highway (Millmerran – Goondiwindi), Wyaga Creek, upgrade floodway (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2342858 
• $27 million Toowoomba – Cecil Plains Road, improve safety 2673200 
• 23.4 million Gore Highway (Toowoomba – Millmerran) and Toowoomba – Athol Road, improve safety 2671946 
• $19.5 million New England Highway (Warwick – Wallangarra), improve safety 1123130 
• $16.9 million Cunningham Highway (Warwick – Inglewood), improve safety 2677439 
• $16.8 million Cunningham Highway (Ipswich – Warwick), Tregony to Maryvale, improve safety (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2392873 
• $13.2 million New England Highway (Toowoomba – Warwick), improve safety 1778166 
• $6.5 million New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba (Stage 2), construct shared path 2325017 
• $6 million Toowoomba – Cecil Plains Road, 2022 Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements reconstruction works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2502237 
• $5.9 million Highfields Road, Kratzke Road and O’Brien Road, upgrade intersection (jointly funded with Toowoomba Regional Council) 2729338 

South West District – $305 million program estimated to support an average of 340 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $15.4 million Bollon Road, construct to sealed standard (jointly funded with the Australian Government and Maranoa Regional Council) 2707186 
• $10.1 million Castlereagh Highway (St George – Hebel), 2022 Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements betterment works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2744073 
• $7.8 million Quilpie – Adavale Road, various locations, upgrade seal and floodways (jointly funded with Quilpie Shire Council) 1166971 
• $4.8 million Quilpie – Thargomindah Road (Thargomindah), various locations, construct to sealed standard 1147343 
• $3.6 million Castlereagh Highway (St George – Hebel), 2022 Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements reconstruction works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2459935 

Fitzroy District – $1.392 billion program estimated to support an average of 1,180 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $1.065 billion Rockhampton Ring Road (jointly funded with the Australian Government), including funding in the forward estimates for early works 1167108 
• $250 million Bruce Highway, Gladstone to Rockhampton, upgrade intersections (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 26033662 
• $125 million Access to Gladstone Port upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1193429 
• $85.4 million towards Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road, Yeppoon Road upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1192019 
• $75 million Capricorn Highway (Emerald – Alpha) Package 1, strengthen and widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2335273 
• $37.6 million Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence) and Bolsover Street, upgrade intersection (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 854972 
• $25.5 million Dawson Developmental Road (Springsure – Tambo), priority upgrades (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2515815 
• $21.8 million Bruce Highway (Rockhampton – St Lawrence), various locations (Rockhampton), improve intersections (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 851205 
• $21 million Rockhampton – Emu Park Road, upgrade overtaking lanes and improve safety 1810071 
• $10.6 million Capricorn Highway (Emerald – Alpha) Package 3, strengthen and widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2338131 

Central West District – $445 million program estimated to support and average of 440 direct jobs over the four-year program, Major investments include: 

• $182.5 million funding commitment for Outback Way future priorities (jointly funded with the Australian Government). Project details and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government 1217749 
• $45 million Capricorn Highway (Emerald – Alpha) Package 2, strengthen and widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2337706 
• $11.2 million Capricorn Highway (Emerald – Alpha), widen pavement 1572870 
• $2.4 million Richmond – Winton Road, pave and seal 2109167 
• $2.4 million Cramsie – Muttaburra Road, rehabilitate and widen pavement 2109124 
• $2.4 million Barcaldine – Aramac Road, rehabilitate and widen pavement 2109074 
• $2.4 million Diamantina Developmental Road (Quilpie – Windorah), Long Crossing to Windorah, widen pavement 2587385 

Mackay Whitsunday District – $769 million program estimated to support an average of 700 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $497.4 million Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), including works between the intersection of the Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1491450 
• $350 million Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay – Slade Point Road, construct new two-lane road (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1170084 
• $187.4 million Walkerston Bypass (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 455240 
• $56.5 million Bruce Highway, Emu Creek to Drays Road, various locations, widen formation (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 295492 
• $31.4 million Bruce Highway, Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street intersection, widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 12269 
• $23 million Bruce Highway, Jumper Creek, upgrade flood immunity (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 370716 
• $21 million Proserpine – Shute Harbour Road, Hamilton Plains, upgrade flood immunity (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1198985 
• $15 million Bruce Highway (Mackay – Proserpine), Goorganga Plains, plan and preserve (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 371124 
• $12 million Bruce Highway (Proserpine – Bowen), Bowen Connection Road, improve intersection (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 721425 
• $12 million Peak Downs Highway (Clermont – Nebo), Millennium Coal Mine to Carbourough Coal Mine, construct overtaking lanes 1197099 

Northern District – $994 million program estimated to support an average of 860 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $280 million Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1059916 
• $109.5 million Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 319179 
• $96.9 million Burdekin River Bridge, rehabilitation program (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1620983 
• $96 million Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), improve safety 1810128 
• $95 million Garbutt – Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2, Allambie Lane to Dunlop Street, duplicate to four lanes (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1776745 
• $70 million Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), duplicate bridge and approaches 2419830 
• $48 million Bruce Highway, Burdekin Deviation, plan and preserve corridor (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 399292 
• $48 million Bruce Highway, Ingham to Cardwell Range Deviation, plan and preserve corridor (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 399270 
• $43.2 million Garbutt – Upper Ross Road, Halliday Street to Gouldian Avenue, improve safety 2684163 
• $19.3 million Ross River Road, Mabin Street to Rolfe Street, improve safety 2682971 

North West District – $421 million program estimated to support an average of 420 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $50 million Kennedy Developmental Road (The Lynd – Hughenden), progressive sealing (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1459389 
• $42.7 million Flinders Highway (Julia Creek – Cloncurry), Scrubby Creek, strengthen pavement and widen floodway (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1459426 
• $30 million Flinders Highway (Richmond – Julia Creek), Alick Creek, upgrade floodway and install culverts (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2340058 
• $25.5 million Landsborough Highway (Kynuna – Cloncurry), McKinlay River, improve pavement and drainage works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2339886 
• $22.5 million Flinders Highway (Richmond – Julia Creek), various locations, improve pavement and upgrade culvert (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2340086 
• $13 million Richmond – Winton Road, strengthen and widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2340473 
• $11.2 million Burke Developmental Road (Cloncurry – Normanton), various locations, widen pavement 8003900 
• $10 million Flinders Highway (Julia Creek – Cloncurry), Canal Creek, replace bridge (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2340056 
• $7.5 million Cloncurry – Dajarra Road, Malbon Creek floodway, upgrade culvert and approaches (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2340394 
• $6.5 million Landsborough Highway (Kynuna – Cloncurry), Nora Creek, improve pavement and drainage works (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2339972 

Far North District – $1.576 billion program estimated to support an average of 1,300 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include: 

• $359 million Captain Cook Highway, Cairns CBD to Smithfield, upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1351442 
• $300 million Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway duplication (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1810618 
• $262.5 million funding commitment for Kuranda Range Road upgrade (jointly funded with the Australian Government). Project details and timing subject to further planning and negotiation with the Australian Government 2605703 
• $225 million Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 5), Foster Road, upgrade intersection (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1176520 
• $54.9 million towards Peninsula Developmental Road, Archer River Crossing, construct bridge (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1445971 
• $40 million funding commitment for Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program 2788251 
• $31.8 million towards Cairns Southern Access Cycleway, construct cycleway (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1249733 
• $21.3 million Gillies Range Road, various locations, improve safety 1136484 
• $17.6 million Peninsula Developmental Road (Laura – Coen), Yarraden to Three Sisters (Part A), pave and seal (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 1447586 
• $12.1 million Gulf Developmental Road (Croydon – Georgetown) Package 4, strengthen and widen pavement (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 2361416 

Other major investments: 

• $4.869 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program 
• $2.598 billion towards Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 
• $1 billion funding commitment for the Inland Freight Route, Charters Towers to Mungindi (jointly funded with the Australian Government) 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Roads and Infrastructure Australia