Federal Budget 2018-19

[ozbob]

Budget 2018-19

Budget 2018-19 will be released at approximately 7.30pm (AEST) on Tuesday 8 May 2018,
as the Treasurer commences his second reading speech.

>> http://www.budget.gov.au/

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Budget 2018: Get ready for the Santa routine we haven't seen in 11 years

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> Australian budget 2018: what to expect from Scott Morrison

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Line

Brisbane Metro

Cross River Rail

[#Metro]

As well as road and rail investments, on Friday, the government confirmed that $140m would be set aside from 2019-20 for a location incentive to attract blockbuster films for production in facilities on the Gold Cast. The ​ proposal will increase the location offset rate from 16.5% to 30% for eligible large budget international productions that film in Australia from 1 July 2018.

More money to for-profit corporations to make the next Dora the Explorer "here".
Govt should put that to Trouts Rd connection in CRR.

[ozbob]

" Stronger " ...   

https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/992637895465779201

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Budget to include billions for Queensland roads, Brisbane transport

A MULTIBILLION-dollar bitumen bonanza that spruces the Bruce and revolutionises Brisbane public transport will be unveiled in the Turnbull Government's pre-poll Budget.

A $5.2 billion hard-hat cash splash will include funding for the Brisbane Metro public transport project, a record boost for the Bruce Highway, and upgrades for strategic roads in regional Queensland.

Treasurer Scott Morrison's third Budget, to be revealed tomorrow, is a $25 billion national plan heavily geared towards planes, trains and cars — and part of a $75 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the infrastructure plan is projected to create 50,000 extra jobs over the decade, and, in the short term, help keep the trajectory.

But the infrastructure prize is also aimed at easing congestion for working families, making roads safer and transport networks more productive, including getting product to port quicker.

It also underscores Malcolm Turnbull's proclamation that he's a PM for infrastructure and, unlike Tony Abbott, his willingness to fund public transport.

Queensland's share is smaller than Victoria's, which will today claim it has won the lion's share of funds, with almost $8 billion in projects.

Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad will miss out on funding for pet project, the Cross River Rail.

However, The Courier-Mail can reveal the state will win:

• $3.3 billion upgrades for the Bruce Highway, including projects from central to north Queensland. This includes $880 million in new upgrades from Pine Rivers to Caloundra and about $1.6 billion in projects to be released later. It means the Coalition's spend on the highway since 2013 will have reached $10 billion.

• $300 million for the Brisbane Metro project, a Brisbane City Council plan that will include high-frequency public transport services over 21km of existing busway.

• $170 million for the Cunningham Highway linking the Darling Downs and Ipswich.

• A share of $160 million for the Outback Way, which stretches between Winton and Laverton in Western ­Australia.

• $1.5 billion for northern Australian strategic roads, which help get product to port and will be a major employer for indigenous Australians.

The Government has already announced it will fund $1 billion for the M1 Pacific Highway; $800 million to upgrade the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra, bypassing Gympie; $390 million to duplicate the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough; and a $150 million upgrade to the Bruce Highway at Murrumba Downs, creating missing northbound entry and exit points at the Dohles Rocks Road interchange.

In an interview with The Courier-Mail, Mr Morrison said he understood the tyranny of distance many Queenslanders have to face every day.

"It is a state of growth," Mr Morrison said.

"It is also a state with large distances, so safety of travel around such a big state is incredibly important, particularly on rural and regional roads.

"On coping, dealing and managing with growth, that's obviously a challenge for Queensland, and that needs the infrastructure and support ... but it's also about connecting the economy, connecting the regions, connecting products to market, and setting Queensland up to succeed over the next decade."

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the major highlight of the Budget was the 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline.

"It sets out our long-term infrastructure agenda to help communities, agencies and industry plan ahead for the future,'' he said.

"We are investing in congestion-busting urban infrastructure, which increases productivity for our city businesses and helps people get home sooner and safer to their families."

Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher said the Government had a clear long-term plan to building vital infrastructure for Queensland.

[ozbob]

^

Sunshine Coast Line

Brisbane Metro

Cross River Rail

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993161663154012160

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993162870031433728

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993171494816514053

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993242291237044224

[ozbob]

Surprise !   

https://twitter.com/COBrienBris/status/993270857861484544

[ozbob]

Queensland is getting a lot ( billions! ) of road funding money.  This should allow the State to fund the rest of the Sunshine Coast Line easily, as well as proceed with Cross River Rail as planned. 

[ozbob]

RACQ --> RACQ welcomes reported Federal Budget cash splash

RACQ is eagerly awaiting Tuesday's Federal Budget following reports of a much-needed funding to be spent on the State's roads and public transport infrastructure network.

The Courier-Mail Monday reported on "a multibillion-dollar bitumen bonanza that spruces the Bruce and revolutionises Brisbane public transport" and the State's peak motoring body could not be happier.

RACQ's Paul Turner said the funding will help ease congestion on some of Queensland's busiest roads, improve safety and accessibility in regional Queensland and offer south east Queensland travellers new public transport alternatives.

"We've been calling for funding for these projects for a number of years and we hope tomorrow night's Budget delivers," Mr Turner said.

"Transport infrastructure and public transport spending has been lacking in Queensland in recent years so it's good to see we're getting our fair share this year.

"The Bruce Highway is the second longest highway in the country so the funding for upgrades including realignments and additional widening and overtaking lanes is sorely needed to make it a safe and reliable road for Queenslanders to travel on.

"Brisbane Metro will help bring Brisbane's public transport up to the standard expected of a growing capital city and ease congestion on Brisbane roads which often see motorists at a stand-still in peak hour.

"We're disappointed to see no mention of funding for Cross River Rail to finally get this important project off the ground. We can't afford to wait until trains reach capacity to act to improve the network.

"Many of these projects include urban improvements and require funding support from the State Government to get off the ground. We hope these important improvements don't get halted due to political argy-bargy.

"We'll be paying close attention tomorrow night."

The Courier-Mail is reporting Queensland will receive funding for:

    $3.3 billion upgrades for the Bruce Highway, including projects from central to north Queensland, including $880 million in new upgrades from Pine Rivers to Caloundra and about $1.6 billion in projects to be released later. It means the Coalition's spend on the highway since 2013 will have reached $10 billion.
    $300 million for the Brisbane Metro project, a Brisbane City Council plan that will include high-frequency public transport services over 21km of existing busway
    $170 million for the Cunningham Highway linking the Darling Downs and Ipswich
    A share of $160 million for the Outback Way, which stretches between Winton and Laverton in Western ­Australia
    $1.5 billion for northern Australian strategic roads, which help get product to port and will be a major employer for indigenous Australians.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/993284707767926784

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Turnbull ignoring Queensland: Palaszczuk

Queenslanders are being ignored by the federal government in favour of southern states, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.

The Premier has criticised the Turnbull government for refusing to back what she says are key infrastructure projects less than a day before Scott Morrison will hand down his second budget as Treasurer.

"Let's be frank here, Malcolm Turnbull has not wanted to give Queensland its fair share for the whole time that he has been in office," she told reporters on Monday.

"For them to say simply no money is available for Cross River Rail shows then that they're turning their back on Queensland's number one infrastructure project."

Mr Morrison on Monday indicated a $5.2 billion infrastructure cash splash for the state, including a major Bruce Highway upgrade, $300 million for the Brisbane Metro project and regional roadworks, the Courier Mail reported.

But Treasurer Jackie Trad says the announcement was a repackaging of prior commitments and did not include new money for the state.

Brisbane's Cross River Rail project tops Queensland's federal budget wish list, despite the state Labor government saying it can fund the $5.4 billion project on its own.

Ms Trad has committed to bankrolling the line after failing to secure money from Mr Turnbull's government, yet it remains her number one funding request.

The state government says Queensland is missing out compared to NSW and Victoria and that a series of recent announcements by Mr Turnbull were an attempt to shore up support ahead of the next election.

Mr Turnbull has made multiple trips to the state in recent months, committing to upgrading the M1 north and south of Brisbane, as well as the Bruce Highway and funding for the long-awaited Rookwood weir in Rockhampton.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/993355330049355778

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993356563908673539

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Jackie Trad is hoping money for Cross River Rail will be in the federal budget

Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad is hoping money for Cross River Rail might be in Tuesday night's federal budget.

But the prospect is not looking good, with federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher saying the project is already fully funded by the state government.

"The Queensland state government's position has been that Cross River Rail is fully funded," Mr Fletcher told ABC Radio Brisbane.

However, Ms Trad said the Queensland government had to fully fund the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, announced in last year's state budget, because the Turnbull government had "remained stubbornly opposed to giving Queensland a fair share".

"We'll be looking to see whether Queensland finally gets a fair share and gets funding for Cross River Rail," she said.

"We'll be making sure that if Queensland doesn't get a fair share that we're going to remind Queenslanders each and every day leading up to the next federal election."

Asked if the situation was a "catch 22" - Queensland funding Cross River Rail because the federal government had not funded it, and the federal government not funding it because the state government had funded it - Ms Trad said federal Labor had pledged to tip in $2.2 billion for the project.

Ms Trad said Queensland continued to work with Infrastructure Australia on Cross River Rail.

"We continue to have a constructive working relationship with Infrastructure Australia," Ms Trad said.

In March, Infrastructure Australia failed to progress Cross River Rail on its list of priority projects, but elevated the Brisbane Metro to high-priority status.

In its report, the independent body listed the "next steps" for Cross River Rail as business case development, but Ms Trad said the business case was finished.

Cross River Rail would be a 10.2-kilometre rail line between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills, including four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street.

Mr Fletcher told the ABC the federal government was investing very heavily in Queensland infrastructure.

"Some $5.2 billion for new projects in this budget," he said.

"Queensland is a vitally important state."

Among the Queensland funding in the budget will be $300 million for the Brisbane City Council's Brisbane Metro.

Ms Trad accused federal Treasurer Scott Morrison of "packaging up old projects and old announcements as new money for Queensland".

She said the Queensland government would also be looking for money for housing in Indigenous communities and early education in the budget.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk accused the federal government of forgetting about Queensland.

"Malcolm Turnbull has not wanted to give Queensland its fair share for the whole time that he has been in office," she said.

"Ever since we got some money for the light rail, that's about it, Queensland has been off the radar.

"I know Queensland families and they can smell an election coming."

The next federal election could be held as early as August 2018.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/993379878371180544

[Stillwater]

"Treasurer Jackie Trad says the announcement was a repackaging of prior commitments and did not include new money for the state."

While the promises were made in the past, the actual money to fund them is locked into the Budget.  That's the new bit, and the important bit Minister.

.... Unlike your promise that CRR is funded 100 per cent by the State Government, except it isn't because you keep asking Mr Turnbull to commit funds for it.  Either its fully funded by the state government or it isn't.

"Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad is hoping money for Cross River Rail might be in Tuesday night's federal budget."

There is obviously some very mixed messages coming out of Ms Trad's office.

Meanwhile, Channel 9 reports that "Queensland is expected to receive billions of dollars worth of infrastructure funding in the upcoming Federal Budget."

Queensland must realise that the feds fund the projects that the feds see fit to fund – they don't jump to her tune and political agenda.  That said, I am not suggesting that the feds don't have an agenda of their own.

However, it must be acknowledged that Queensland is getting a fair slab of funding.

Maybe if Qld made a better fist of the Business Case preparation for major infrastructure projects, it could better argue its case for increased funding.

Question to Ms Trad: Did Queensland spend all the federal money it received for infrastructure in financial year 2017-18?  It's hard to argue you need more money from Canberra when you can't spend what you have received.

[Fares_Fair]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/993402896300392448?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2018: Queensland warns PM not to work against it

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has called on the Turnbull Government to stop "working against" her Government and deliver the state its fair share in today's Federal Budget.

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison has so far announced about $5.2 billion in infrastructure funding for Queensland ahead of the unveiling of his pre-Election budget.

Ms Palaszczuk and Treasurer Jackie Trad, however, said a large portion was old money that had been repackaged as new cash.

They also slammed the lack of funds for Cross River Rail.

"Let's be frank here, Malcolm Turnbull has not wanted to give Queensland its fair share for the whole time that he has been in office," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"We want our fair share."

Ms Trad said the Government wanted to see the detail in the Budget when it came to commitments made by Mr Morrison before agreeing to chip in the required state cash.

"We are not asking for anything more than Victoria. We are not asking for anything more than NSW," Ms Trad said.

"We want to see fair dinkum money put on the table for Queensland.

"We will be going through the Budget papers ... and we will be making sure that if Queensland doesn't get a fair share that we are going to remind Queenslanders each and every day leading up to the next Federal Election

Ms Trad said she was still going through her own Budget preparations when asked if she would commit to matching the $1 billion in M1 funding the Commonwealth announced.

But she said the would be "money on the table" for the Sunshine Coast rail duplication.

The Commonwealth has pledged $390 million for the vital rail link.

" ... But she said the would be "money on the table" for the Sunshine Coast rail duplication. ... "

[Stillwater]

I suspect the 'money on the table for the SCL' from Queensland will be 20 per cent of the project cost and not the 50 per cent that Turnbull has asked for.  That said, there is more than sufficient cash available to start the project now.  CRR is also a shovel-ready project fully-funded by the state government.  Work should start now.

The politics has compartmentalised CRR, Trouts Road Corridor (possibly) and the SCL duplication into a bidding war over who is responsible for funding what, instead of seeing all three as a single project, Fairfield to Nambour via the North-West suburbs, where there is room to move for the feds to do some more heavy lifting finance-wise once the NCC Business Case is completed.

Ms Trad plays the politics around CRR  like an annoying, yapping shitsu.

[matlock]

I suspect the 'money on the table for the SCL' from Queensland will be 20 per cent of the project cost and not the 50 per cent that Turnbull has asked for.  That said, there is more than sufficient cash available to start the project now.  CRR is also a shovel-ready project fully-funded by the state government.  Work should start now.

The politics has compartmentalised CRR, Trouts Road Corridor (possibly) and the SCL duplication into a bidding war over who is responsible for funding what, instead of seeing all three as a single project, Fairfield to Nambour via the North-West suburbs, where there is room to move for the feds to do some more heavy lifting finance-wise once the NCC Business Case is completed.

Ms Trad plays the politics around CRR  like an annoying, yapping shitsu.

Now there's an idea! Wrap all projects into one 'rail-fail-busting' project. A new tunnel through the CBD, linking both the Sunny and Gold Coasts to each other and more importantly to Brisbane, in combination with duplication of the Sunny Coast line. If the Queensland and Federal Governments could come together and agree to fund the entire project 50-50, with completion at 2024, it would be a huge step and would politically benefit both incumbent governments.

I am not convinced that Trouts Road would be viable... yet. It makes sense but the awareness isn't there. I think Trouts is the logical next step after CRR, SC and the eventual Flagstone line are complete.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993659519090618368

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/993660811729027072

[Gazza]

I like how in Victoria the state government is just casually spending $313m on the Shepparton line, which isn't that crucial in the scheme of things (saying this as an ex Shepp resident)

Qld baulks at spending a similar amount on the Sunshine coast

[achiruel]

I have no issue with the State fully funding CRR, but really the Feds should come to the party with an 80/20 split on upgrading sections of the national road and rail network like they do in other states, so:

80/20 SCL duplication
80/20 M1 upgrade
80/20 Bruce Hwy upgrade

However given the tendency of the current government to avoid their responsibilities, I can't see it happening.

[Stillwater]

Infrastructure spending summary:

http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/releases/2018/may/budget-infra_01-2018.aspx

[Cazza]

^ "Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Business Case: $15 million to support planning."

A big thumbs up from me!

[verbatim9]

^ "Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Business Case: $15 million to support planning."

A big thumbs up from me!

Only if its electrified with overhead catenary. Maybe to Gatton first as this would be an easier stage. Then second stage to Toowoomba as it would require more tunnelling.

There is a big chance of this being electric, as current rail stock can be used. (easily integrated into the current network, economical and streamlined maintenance, Low impact on the local environment - in reference to air and noise pollution).

Imagine having a Toowoomba - Nambour - Toowoomba run Initially being a Gatton - Nambour - Gatton. I hope all new stations are built to specs and support Driver Only Operations.

[#Metro]

First step would be to convince QLD Gov't to include Toowoomba into the TransLink system of ticketing zones.

Second step, consider having the Brisbane - Toowoomba bus become part of the TL network (possibly a mounted handheld reader could be used).

[verbatim9]

With Next Generation Ticketing this should be addressed. First phase of the Toowoomba network being managed by Translink has been completed. I guess @Metro you are referring to the second stage of the process!?

First step would be to convince QLD Gov't to include Toowoomba into the TransLink system of ticketing zones.

Second step, consider having the Brisbane - Toowoomba bus become part of the TL network (possibly a mounted handheld reader could be used).

[techblitz]

15% percent of that will come to the south east corner of queensland going on current and previous census and abs data.
Probably add on another 5% from Sydney due to cheaper house prices combined with attractiveness of the gold coast and its surrounding regions.

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features12016-17?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2016-17&num=&view=

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features302016-17?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2016-17&num=&view=

If the previous years figures are repeated Y.O.Y then we are looking at least 130k net population growth well before CRR and metro are finished.
All we will have to show for it by then will be a few road upgrades and maybe SCL duplication.

[#Metro]

If the previous years figures are repeated Y.O.Y then we are looking at least 130k net population growth well before CRR and metro are finished. All we will have to show for it by then will be a few road upgrades and maybe SCL duplication.

Most people live near a bus stop pole. I cannot stress enough the importance of bus reform. Increasing service levels is relatively simple to do and restructuring means low or neutral costs.

The thing about these migration numbers is that I suspect many will be going into places like Yarrabilba, so far from any trunk transport infrastructure. I would like to see blanket or near-blanket TOD zoning around rail stations and other rapid transit stations. The current "boutique" approach is not working - few projects to show for it and of those that are built, very expensive and out of reach of the ordinary person. 

[techblitz]

yep bus reform looks to be the ONLY public transport hope for the next 3 years.

In terms of specific suburbs and where they are moving....the stats show a clear majority to the south.
The issue is going to be roads. Bus users better get used to peak hour cancelled services 'due to heavy congestion' over the next few years.
There was another sign of it yesterday with multiple cancellations.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2018: Queensland commuters win big

QUEENSLAND commuters certainly seem like the big winner in the Coalition's pre-election Federal Budget.

The $5.2 billion being invested in Queensland roads, rail and bus projects is significantly more than other states, a telltale sign of how important electorates north of the Tweed will be come the next Federal election.

And there are opportunities to snare even more out of new funding envelopes unveiled last night by Treasurer Scott Morrison.

These include $1 billion for the new Urban Congestion Fund and a further $3.5 billion for the Roads of Strategic Importance, two honey pots that Federal MPs on meagre margins will be eagerly eyeing off.

"Our $75 billion 10-year rolling infrastructure plan will continue strengthening our economy, busting congestion in our cities, making rural roads safer and getting our products to market," Treasurer Scott Morrison crowed in last night's speech.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said the Government was "improving Australians' lives".

"This investment will bust congestion in our cities to get commuters home sooner and safer, move freight more efficiently to our ports and markets, better connect our regions, grow our economy and create thousands of new jobs."

However, just when all this busting, moving, growing and creating will occur in Queensland is anybody's guess.

Budget papers don't identify when funding will flow to particular projects or over how many years construction will occur.

Far from a new focus on building, the documents show Federal investment in infrastructure over the next four years comes from funds already committed in previous budgets.

This will just fuel the schism between the Turnbull Government and Queensland's Labor administration which is in the throes of finalising its own budget.

The pair are already at loggerheads over the Commonwealth's refusal to commit to some projects and the funding split on others.

Cross River Rail, touted by Labor as Queensland's "No. 1 infrastructure priority", was the project that dare not speak its name in the Federal Budget.

The Turnbull Government hasn't committed a cent to the $5.4 billion inner-Brisbane heavy rail route after Infrastructure Australia questioned heroic passenger growth forecasts in the project's business case.

The State says it will fund the lot but was still holding out hope that the Coalition would make a commitment.

One of the most contentious roads has been the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast with the State Government declaring the proposed 50:50 funding split not good enough.

The Palaszczuk Government held up previous Federal funding commitments for the M1 and managed to milk a bit more money under the deal that was eventually struck.

However, Queensland Labor will fall into line now that its Federal colleagues says they also will fund the Pacific Motorway on a 50:50 basis.

That will mean the Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill and Varsity Lakes to Tugun sections of the Pacific Motorway will be widened, regardless of who wins the next election.

Twin investments in the Bruce Highway — the Pine Rivers to Caloundra stretch and Cooroy to Curra — shouldn't be an issue given they're being funded under an 80:20 split.

However, other projects are in limbo.

The Commonwealth will cover half the $780 million cost of duplicating the Sunshine Coast rail line between Beerburrum and Nambour, a projects that was given two thumbs up by Infrastructure Australia.

However, the Palaszczuk Government may not want to play ball given its argument that increased services through the inner city won't be possible in future without Cross River Rail.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's Brisbane Metro has got a $300 million Federal commitment.

The project basically commandeers the State's existing busway network while upgrading the Cultural Centre stop, where bus queues are a daily nightmare for commuters.

However, Treasury officials confirmed only $170 million of the Federal funds will flow to Brisbane Metro over the next four years.

Like so many of the Budget's infrastructure commitments, it's more akin to putting solutions in the slow lane rather than all the bluster about congestion busting.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2018: Big on promises but scant on delivery

THE Federal Budget was exactly what we've come to expect from Malcolm Turnbull and his Treasurer Scott Morrison.

It ignored critical projects like Cross River Rail and the Townsville Port, failed to renew partnerships in remote indigenous housing, early education and ...

It was big on promises but scant on delivery, with important projects like M1 funding not funded for another four years. Of course, we've seen this all before.

Last year there was the $10 billion rail plan that appropriated nothing until 2019-20. Before that there was the $5 billion NAIF which to this day has not spent a single cent on a Queensland project.

This Budget proves that Malcolm Turnbull only has a plan for his re-election, not a plan for our nation, turning windfall revenues into nothing more than a pork-barrelling exercise.

But, and I'm sure many, many Queenslanders would agree with me here, I'm not fooled.

We need a Federal Government who will genuinely commit to the critical projects that Queensland needs to deliver jobs and grow the economy.

We need a Federal Government who will join with us to fund the frontline services our state needs as we grow.

We need a Federal Government who understands the unique challenges of a diverse, decentralised state like Queensland.

Who wants the best for all Queenslanders, whether they live in Brisbane, Barcaldine or Bamaga. We need our fair share.

But instead we got this Budget. Light on detail, light on vision and light on for Queensland.

Jackie Trad is the Deputy Premier of Queensland.

[ozbob]

http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/releases/2018/may/budget-infra_01-2018.aspx

2018-19 Budget—Infrastructure: Busting Congestion, Connecting Our Regions, Improving Safety and Creating Jobs

Media Release

BUDGET001/2018

08 May 2018

Joint release with:

The Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities

The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government

The Hon Keith Pitt MP

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister

The Liberal and Nationals Government will invest more than $75 billion in nationally significant transport infrastructure projects over the next 10 years, including new funding of $24.5 billion for projects and initiatives which will improve Australians' lives across every State and Territory.

This investment will bust congestion in our cities to get commuters home sooner and safer, move freight more efficiently to our ports and markets, better connect our regions, grow our economy and create thousands of new local jobs.

It demonstrates a commitment to a credible, decade-long pipeline of infrastructure projects focused on driving economic growth, increasing productivity and connectivity and creating new employment opportunities. Our pipeline will create approximately 50,000 additional direct and indirect jobs over the next decade.

The Budget invests in new major rail and public transport infrastructure including: a commitment of up to $5 billion for construction of a rail link to the Melbourne Airport; $1.1 billion towards further components of Perth's METRONET program; $400 million to duplicate a section of the Port Botany Rail Line and construct the Cabramatta passing loop; $390 million for the upgrade of the Beerburrum to Nambour Line on the Sunshine Coast; $300 million for the Brisbane Metro project; and $220 million for the electrification of the Gawler Line in northern Adelaide.

It also delivers major urban and regional road projects including: $1 billion for the M1 Motorway corridor; $3.3 billion for the Bruce Highway in Queensland; $1.4 billion for Adelaide's North–South Corridor; $971 million to build the Coffs Harbour Bypass on the Pacific Highway in New South Wales; $1.75 billion for the new North East Link in Melbourne; $560 million to deliver Stages 2 and 3 of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road in Western Australia; $280 million for regional road works in the Northern Territory; $461 million to build a new Bridgewater Bridge to reduce travel times and improve traffic flow into Hobart; and a $200 million investment in the Barton and Monaro Highway corridors linking the Australian Capital Territory to New South Wales.

These investments are part of the Government's strong economic plan and are only possible due to our prudent management of the Budget.Through strong governance arrangements linked to funding commitments, the Government will ensure Australians get value for money on our investments and continue to press the States and Territories to provide their fair share of funding. The Government also remains committed to exploring every opportunity for private sector involvement to help reduce the cost on hard-working Australians.

IMPROVED PASSENGER AND FREIGHT RAIL

The Commonwealth will provide significant investment in rail infrastructure to ensure people can move around our city centres more efficiently and better connect our cities and suburbs with regional areas. In this Budget, $7.9 billion will be allocated towards rail projects across the nation including:

    A commitment of up to $5 billion for a future Melbourne Airport Rail Link—the single biggest infrastructure commitment in the Budget;
    $1.1 billion to develop further stages of METRONET in Perth;
    $475 million to construct a new rail line to Monash Precinct in Melbourne;
    $400 million to duplicate a section of the Port Botany Rail Line and construct the Cabramatta passing loop;
    $390 million to upgrade the Beerburrum to Nambour line in Queensland;
    $225 million to electrify the Frankston to Baxter line in Melbourne;
    $220 million to complete the electrification of the Gawler line in Adelaide;
    $50 million towards a business case for the Western Sydney Airport North-South Rail Link which will be jointly funded with New South Wales as part of the landmark Western Sydney City Deal;
    $50 million to plan and deliver further upgrades to the Geelong Rail Line.

URBAN CONGESTION FUND

The Government is continuing our ongoing commitment to bust congestion not only through our investments in major urban projects in the pipeline but also through a targeted $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

Congestion cost the national economy more than $16 billion in 2015 and commuters are sick of being stuck in traffic rather than spending time with their families. The Urban Congestion Fund will focus on alleviating this burden by investing in projects in urban areas that address pinch points and last-mile access to ports, airports and freight hubs.

ROADS OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE INITIATIVE

This Budget includes $3.5 billion to establish the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative which will upgrade key freight corridors in regional Australia and increase productivity by connecting our major agricultural and resource areas with our cities and ports. The Initiative will also benefit urban areas where the primary focus will be last-mile access to ports, markets, airports and intermodal facilities. Upgrades to these roads will increase safety and provide broader benefits to regional Australia by supporting the tourism industry.

A portion of the funding from this Initiative will support a number of immediate priorities including:

    An additional $1.5 billion to continue our commitment to Northern Australia to deliver better access for industry and communities;
    $400 million to upgrade regional highways in Tasmania, including the Bass Highway, to improve safety and freight efficiency;
    $220 million to deliver a bypass of Bindoon on the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia; and
    $100 million in additional funding for the Barton Highway corridor to improve access from regional New South Wales to the Australian Capital Territory.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH A MAJOR PROJECT BUSINESS CASE FUND

The Pipeline lays out a clear plan for Commonwealth-funded construction over the next 10 years but it is also essential we continue to plan for the next phase of Government investment.

For this reason, $250 million will be allocated to a Major Project Business Case Fund to enable the Commonwealth to work in partnership with State and Territory Governments to develop business cases for major projects.

The first business cases funded will include $15 million to support planning for a passenger rail service between Toowoomba and Brisbane and $10 million for EastLink WA (Orange Route).

SAFER ROADS FOR AUSTRALIANS

Accidents on our roads cost Australians about $30 billion a year, but this figure pales in comparison to the suffering of families who lose loved ones.

The Australian Government is continuing to fund the successful Black Spot Program with $744.5 million from 2013–14 to 2021–22 to deliver safety improvements, such as safety barriers and street lighting to sections of dangerous road which have a crash history. The Black Spot Program is one of the most effective road safety measures. On average Black Spot projects reduce the number of crashes causing death and injury by 30 per cent.

The Roads to Recovery Program will also be maintained with $4.8 billion from 2013–14 to 2021–22 for the construction, repair and upgrade of local roads.

INVESTING IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

This Budget continues a commitment to build a strong regional Australia with extensions to community grants programs to invest directly in economic and social infrastructure which creates jobs and builds stronger regional communities.

Following the success of the first round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which is delivering more than 250 projects across regional Australia and creating about 26,000 jobs, a further $200 million has been allocated to deliver a third round of the program.

Local knowledge is critical to successful community projects which is why the Stronger Communities Programme will be extended for a fourth round through a commitment of an additional $22.5 million. This program provides grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 to community organisations and Local Governments for capital projects, such as aged care facilities and community halls.

The commitment to practical and common sense decentralisation initiatives will continue to boost economic growth and provide more opportunities for secure, high-paying jobs outside the traditional public-service strongholds of Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

Regional Australia has already directly benefited from this agenda with the successful relocation of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to Armidale in New South Wales and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (now Agrifutures) to Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, and with the announcement the Regional Investment Corporation will be based in Orange, New South Wales.

To build on this success, jobs from six Government entities will be relocated, including positions from the following:

    The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations moving from Canberra to Darwin;
    Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Indigenous Affairs Group Regional Network moving from Melbourne to Shepparton in Victoria and from the Sydney CBD to Parramatta in the city's west;
    The Unique Student Identifier Registrar moving from Canberra to Adelaide;
    The Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner to be established in Adelaide;
    Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Indian Ocean Territories from Canberra to Perth; and
    Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Inland Rail Unit from Canberra to Toowoomba in Queensland, Dubbo in New South Wales and Wodonga in Victoria.

The Government's commitment to a decentralisation agenda is unwavering. In addition to the above, further significant announcements in relation to decentralisation will be made over the coming months.

REMOTE AIRSTRIP UPGRADE PROGRAM EXTENDED

The Government remains committed to delivering better access and safety upgrades to remote airstrips and will extend the Remote Airstrip Upgrade program by providing $28.3 million from 2018–19 to 2021–22.

Remote airstrip upgrades ensure continued access to essential, potentially lifesaving, health care as well as fresh food, mail services and access to employment and education opportunities.

This investment will boost local economies, support local needs and create more local jobs.

Competitive grants funding rounds will be conducted with applications sought from local airstrip owners, such as local councils, cattle stations and indigenous communities.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Local councils will benefit from an early payment of 50 per cent of the 2018–19 Financial Assistance Grant program.

This cash injection of more than $1.2 billion will give councils the opportunity to start work immediately on new projects and to benefit from additional interest on cash in the bank.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS BY STATE AND TERRITORY

National

    Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative: $3.5 billion, including $2.2 billion to be provided to specific regions or corridors, as detailed below.
    Urban Congestion Fund: $1 billion.
    Major Project Business Case Fund: $250 million.

New South Wales

    Coffs Harbour Bypass: $971 million.
    Nowra Bridge construction: $155 million.
    Port Botany Rail Line Duplication: $400 million.
    Western Sydney North-South rail: $50 million to joint fund a business case with New South Wales Government.
    Barton Highway corridor: $100 million for the continued upgrade of the Highway, which is an important link between regional New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Victoria

    Melbourne Airport Rail Link: up to $5 billion.
    North East Link: $1.75 billion.
    Monash Rail: $475 million.
    Frankston to Baxter Rail Link Electrification Upgrade: $225 million.
    Victorian Congestion Package: $140 million.
    Continued investment in regional rail (Geelong Line): $50 million.
    Completion of the duplication of the Princes Highway East (Traralgon to Sale): $132 million.

The Government also remains committed to the East West Link and our offer of $3 billion stands. We are ready to deliver the project should any Victorian Government decide to proceed.

Queensland

    Bruce Highway: $3.3 billion for continued upgrades to the Bruce Highway:
        $880 million Pine River to Caloundra corridor upgrade.
        $800 million for the Cooroy to Curra—Section D.
        $200 million for additional safety works.
    M1 Pacific Motorway: $1 billion towards upgrades between Varsity Lakes and Tugun, and between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill.
    Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade: $390 million.
    Brisbane Metro: $300 million.
    Cunningham Highway (Amberley Interchange): $170 million.
    Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Business Case: $15 million to support planning.
    Queensland will also receive a share of the $1.5 billion ROSI initiative—Northern Australia Package, and a share of the $160 million commitment to the Outback Way, both to be allocated across the three northern jurisdictions.

Western Australia

    METRONET: An additional $1.1 billion, taking the total Australian Government funding to $2.3 billion, including new projects announced in the Budget:
        $500 million for Morley-Ellenbrook Line
        $241 million for Byford Extension
        $83 million for the Midland Station project
        $2 million for Lakelands business case
        $226 million for further projects to be agreed.
    Road Projects: $1.5 billion:
        Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stages 2 and 3): $560 million
        $252.5 million for Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension
        $145 million for Tonkin Highway Gap
        $183 million for Tonkin Highway interchanges
        $107.5 million for Mitchell Freeway Extension—Hester Avenue to Romeo Road
        $46.5 million for Leach Highway (Welshpool Road interchange)
        $144 million for Roe Highway/Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Abernethy Road/Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges)
        $65 million for Stephenson Avenue Extension.
    Bindoon Bypass—Great Northern Highway: $220 million though the ROSI initiative.
    EastLink WA (Orange Route) Business Case—$10 million.
    Western Australia will also receive a share of the $1.5 billion ROSI initiative—Northern Australia Package, and a share of the $160 million commitment to the Outback Way, both to be allocated across the three northern jurisdictions.

The Government also remains committed to the Perth Freight Link and our offer of $1.2 billion stands. We are ready to deliver the project should any Western Australian Government decide to proceed.

South Australia

    North South Corridor Future Priorities:
        North-South Corridor—Regency Road to Pym Street: $177 million.
        Future Priorities: $1.21 billion.
    Joy Baluch Bridge: $160 million.
    Gawler Rail Line Electrification: $220 million.

Tasmania

    Bridgewater Bridge Replacement: $461 million.
    Freight Rail Revitalisation: an additional $59.8 million to be provided from 2019–20.
    Tasmania will also receive dedicated funding of $400 million from the ROSI initiative for a Tasmanian Roads Package, focusing on the Bass Highway.

Australian Capital Territory

    Monaro Highway Upgrade: $100 million.
    ACT will also benefit from the increased connectivity with NSW generated through the ROSI initiative to upgrade the Barton Highway.

Northern Territory

    Central Arnhem Road Upgrade: $180 million.
    Buntine Highway Upgrade: $100 million.
    The Northern Territory will also receive a share of the $1.5 billion ROSI initiative—Northern Australia Package, and a share of the $160 million commitment to the Outback Way, both to be allocated across the three northern jurisdictions.

Northern Australia

    ROSI initiative—Northern Australia Package: $1.5 billion to be shared across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
    Outback Way: $160 million, to be allocated across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

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