Ministerial Statement: Major Projects Conference underway today

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Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
19/10/2010

Major Projects Conference underway today

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe will kick off the Major Projects Conference this morning, with more than 800 leading industry and government delegates registered to attend this year's event.

Mr Hinchliffe said the forum was a major event for Queensland which showcases all the significant infrastructure projects currently underway in the state, provides details of planned future projects and highlights the work of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and the Coordinator-General.

"For the infrastructure industry, this is the premier event of the year," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"It's an absolute 'must-attend' for anyone involved in infrastructure projects shaping Queensland's future and the only conference where people can hear from highly respected experts about Queensland's major projects all under one roof, in one day.

"This year the Bligh Government committed a record $17.1 billion in capital works to continue Queensland's economic recovery in the wake of the global financial crisis and to support 106,000 Queensland jobs this year.

"That's a massive investment right across the state, with 57 per cent of this year's capital works program dedicated to regional Queensland.

"So the Major Projects Conference is the best opportunity for business, industry and government professionals from across the country to access the latest information on all our infrastructure projects."

The conference is held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7:00am to 6:00pm, with delegates to hear from guest speakers on topics such as mining, land development, energy, tourism, local government and transport projects.

Some of the day's presentation topics include:

·Queensland Curtis LNG project - BG Group

·Wandoan Coal and the Surat Basin Coal Chain - Xstrata Coal

·'China First' - Waratah Coal

·Ernest Henry underground project - Xstrata Copper

·Powering Mount Isa - CopperString

·Gold Coast University Hospital

·Connors River Dam - SunWater

·Wandoan Power - GE Energy

·Tropical Paradise Resort - Tropical Resort Developments

·Aerospace and Defence Support Centre-Amberley - KoBold Group

·Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor - Horizon Alliance

·Cross River Rail - Queensland Transport and Main Roads

·Jilanan Rail Yard Upgrade and Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion - Queensland Rail National

·Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility - North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

·The Eastern Busway from Buranda to Coorparoo.

"The opportunities for businesses to become involved in major projects in Queensland are enormous, with the State Government delivering yet another record infrastructure program this year." Mr Hinchliffe said.

Mr Hinchliffe will also announce the winners of the Capture Queensland photo competition at the conference.

The competition is run by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning to recognise emerging photographic talent and highlight the features that make Queensland such a great place to live.

"The images on display today have been taken by amateur photographers from across the state and uniquely capture the best of Queensland's natural and built environments that make our state special-such as our lifestyle, culture and architecture," said Mr Hinchliffe.

"This year's competition attracted 508 entrants-an overwhelming response."

The conference has again received tremendous industry support and the Major Projects Conference would like to thank its principal sponsors, sponsors and supporters for their assistance.

For Major Projects Conference information, visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/mpc

For Capture Queensland information, visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/captureqld

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