SEQ City Deal

[ozbob]

The Australian --> Olympics is motivating prize in capital deal

Under a new infrastructure funding model being developed for South East Queensland (SEQ), strategic projects should be immune to electoral cycles and political whims.

The SEQ City Deal aims to deliver a 20-year pipeline of projects across a region that is home to one in seven Australians.

Under the deal, federal, state and local governments have agreed to prioritise and jointly invest in major infrastructure to meet rapid population growth. SEQ's population of 3.4 million is predicted to expand by another 1.9 million people between now and 2041.

As a spin-off, the deal would likely boost a potential SEQ bid to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which won the backing of Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June. A possible competitor is a joint North and South Korea bid. Brisbane originally planned to bid for 2028, but after that went to Los Angeles, it planned a 2032 bid.

The state government of Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk is waiting on the results of a feasibility study before announcing its stance on a SEQ Games bid.

However, an Australian delegation including state-government representatives — along with those of the federal government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the SEQ Council of Mayors — is scheduled to meet the International Olympic Committee at its Swiss headquarters next week.

Mr Morrison chaired a meeting in August with the 2032 Olympic Candidature Leadership Group, which includes Ms Palaszczuk and the Council of Mayors new chair, Adrian Schrinner, who is Lord Mayor of Brisbane.

The Games would bring 110,000 visitors and competitors to SEQ, according to the Mayors' Council. It argues the region cannot successfully host the Games without building the infrastructure already needed to keep up with population.

The council hopes that bidding for, and hosting, the Games will be the "catalyst" that provides deadlines and focus needed to kick-start projects.

They include better road and rail links between the main population centres of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

President of the Australian Olympic Committee John Coates has voiced "wholehearted" support for the SEQ bid providing that transport connections between the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are improved.

"We have to make sure the athletes get to their venues in a very quick time and we'd like athletes who are staying on the Gold Coast to go to the main village in Brisbane to mix with their teammates once their events are over,'' he said.

The possibility has been raised of a decision on a 2032 host as early as next year, because of a recent change to the bidding process by the International Olympic Committee that made an early decision easier. "Recent changes to the Olympic charter minimise candidature election costs and the election of a host is no longer limited to seven years before the particular Games," Mr Coates said. Also in the case of Los Angeles 2028, the city was elected 11 years before, he said.

The Mayors' Council, which represents the local government districts of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, says the City Deal is the best mechanism to deliver regional infrastructure projects.

Councillor Schrinner told The Australian this week that hosting the Games would "up the ante" for transport investment but added "the SEQ City Deal will be delivered whether there is a Games or not''.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games were a catalyst for construction of the Gold Coast's extensive light rail network.

A statement of intent to develop the deal was co-signed by the federal Minister for Population, Cities, and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge, Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and the then chair of the Mayors' Council, Graham Quirk, in March.

At the signing, Mr Tudge said SEQ was experiencing one of the highest rates of population growth in Australia. "This City Deal enables the three levels of government to develop long-term plans to cater for this growth," he said.

The Mayors' Council hopes the deal will be finalised by mid-2020.

With five of the 10 largest local governments in Australia, SEQ functions more as a single metropolitan area than a series of disparate geographic areas.

However, motorways between the region's major centres already experience serious congestion. The Mayors' Council hopes the City Deal will adopt its preferred transport solution — an SEQ faster rail network.

With average speeds of 150km/h, compared to the existing average train speed of 60km/h, such a network would reduce travel time between Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine coasts by 50 per cent, according to a study commissioned by the Mayors' Council.

Known as the SEQ People Mass Movement Study, it says faster rail would allow commuters from the Sunshine and Gold coasts to travel to Brisbane in less than 45 minutes.

The study warns that without faster rail and highway upgrades, road traffic will be "gridlocked" by 2031-41 even when major projects already under way or funded are completed. Two current major projects are the Brisbane Metro — a high-frequency bus service linking Brisbane's outer suburbs with the CBD — and the Cross River Rail, which includes underground rail through central Brisbane.

Both are on a list of 47 "critical" transport projects the study says are needed for SEQ. The study indicates when each project is required to meet demand and the estimated cost of delivery.

Building all 47 projects between 2019-41 would cost about $2.7 billion per annum — an achievable figure based on the average historic transport infrastructure spend in SEQ of $2bn-$3bn billion a year, the study finds.

The Morrison government is already funding a business case for the North Coast Connect faster rail service between Nambour and Brisbane, with a spur to Maroochydore. And it has agreed to fund a feasibility study of a faster rail between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

"The SEQ mayors believe that a regional fast rail network is one option that warrants consideration, and there may be others as the City Deal discussions continue," Councillor Schrinner said.

[SurfRail]

The Mayors' Council, which represents the local government districts of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba

And not the Gold Coast.  Long may that continue - it's nothing but a waste of time and our rates.

[ozbob]

South East Queensland City Deal Stakeholder Roundtable Wednesday 25 September 2019 at Ipswich

This roundtable will be hosted by the Australian Government Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, plus representatives of the Queensland Government and the City of Ipswich. Representatives of businesses and community groups will attend along with senior officials from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and COMSEQ.

Invitation received,  will attend.

[verbatim9]

South East Queensland City Deal Stakeholder Roundtable Wednesday 25 September 2019 at Ipswich

This roundtable will be hosted by the Australian Government Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, plus representatives of the Queensland Government and the City of Ipswich. Representatives of businesses and community groups will attend along with senior officials from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and COMSEQ.

Invitation received,  will attend.

Fast regional electric rail

[verbatim9]

South East Queensland City Deal Stakeholder Roundtable Wednesday 25 September 2019 at Ipswich

This roundtable will be hosted by the Australian Government Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, plus representatives of the Queensland Government and the City of Ipswich. Representatives of businesses and community groups will attend along with senior officials from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and COMSEQ.

Invitation received,  will attend.

Fast regional electric rail

South East Queensland City Deal Stakeholder Roundtable Wednesday 25 September 2019 at Ipswich

This roundtable will be hosted by the Australian Government Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, plus representatives of the Queensland Government and the City of Ipswich. Representatives of businesses and community groups will attend along with senior officials from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and COMSEQ.

Invitation received,  will attend.

Bob do you reckon you will be in a surreal comical environment that reflects an episode of Utopia?

[ozbob]

Living the dream ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1176751285212602369

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AlanTudgeMP/status/1176756441337589760

[ozbob]

Queensland Times 3rd October 2019 page 16

Are we a 'future Parra'?

[SurfRail]

No chance, not when it's an hour away by rail in the off-peak and only 8 minutes faster in the peak.  Parramatta is closer geographically and easier to get to transport wise.

Brisbane just doesn't have a meaningful equivalent of places like Parramatta, Chatswood etc.  Even Melbourne struggles with a useful comparison to those places.

[verbatim9]

No chance, not when it's an hour away by rail in the off-peak and only 8 minutes faster in the peak.  Parramatta is closer geographically and easier to get to transport wise.

Brisbane just doesn't have a meaningful equivalent of places like Parramatta, Chatswood etc.  Even Melbourne struggles with a useful comparison to those places.

Once the Toowoomba line gets up an running it will act as a "Junction" like Parramatta. Express pattern trains to Ipwisch and beyond. Amplification from Darra to Redbank will allow this to happen. City - Milton - Indooroopilly - Darra - Redbank - Booval - Ipswich - Rosewood - Gatton - Helidon stage 1. Stage 2 - Toowoomba

[verbatim9]

Queensland Times 3rd October 2019 page 16

Are we a 'future Parra'?

No chance, not when it's an hour away by rail in the off-peak and only 8 minutes faster in the peak.  Parramatta is closer geographically and easier to get to transport wise.

Brisbane just doesn't have a meaningful equivalent of places like Parramatta, Chatswood etc.  Even Melbourne struggles with a useful comparison to those places.

No chance, not when it's an hour away by rail in the off-peak and only 8 minutes faster in the peak.  Parramatta is closer geographically and easier to get to transport wise.

Brisbane just doesn't have a meaningful equivalent of places like Parramatta, Chatswood etc.  Even Melbourne struggles with a useful comparison to those places.

Once the Toowoomba line gets up an running it will act as a "Junction" like Parramatta. Express pattern trains to Ipwisch and beyond. Amplification from Darra to Redbank will allow this to happen. City - Milton - Indooroopilly - Darra - Redbank - Booval - Ipswich - Rosewood - Gatton - Helidon stage 1. Stage 2 - Toowoomba

As for an enhanced city centre I could see this happening especially with Ripley close by connected with rail. Ipswich will become a real hub in 2035.

[SurfRail]

No chance, not when it's an hour away by rail in the off-peak and only 8 minutes faster in the peak.  Parramatta is closer geographically and easier to get to transport wise.

Brisbane just doesn't have a meaningful equivalent of places like Parramatta, Chatswood etc.  Even Melbourne struggles with a useful comparison to those places.

Once the Toowoomba line gets up an running it will act as a "Junction" like Parramatta. Express pattern trains to Ipwisch and beyond. Amplification from Darra to Redbank will allow this to happen. City - Milton - Indooroopilly - Darra - Redbank - Booval - Ipswich - Rosewood - Gatton - Helidon stage 1. Stage 2 - Toowoomba

None of those places is even the equivalent of a Blacktown or Burwood, let alone Parramatta.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Congestion-busting City Deal vital to unlocking potential of Brisbane Airport's new $1.3B runway

Brisbane Airport will have more cars on its roads than the CBD inside five years, potentially slowing the jobs and economic bonanza brought about by its new $1.3B runway.

The stark projection adds weight to the desperate need for better rail and public transport across the southeast and puts a rocket behind the need for a City Deal funding partnership to deliver them.

Travel planners have a fight on their hands getting southeast Queensland travellers out of their cars, with trips that take about 20 minutes to drive outside peak hour taking almost an hour more on ­public transport, and usually including a couple of changes from buses to trains to get to the airport.

According to research by the Council of Mayors (SEQ), just 10 per cent of ­Brisbane trips are made by public ­transport, and even fewer on the Gold Coast (7 per cent) and the Sunshine Coast (2 per cent).

Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the airport currently had more than 100,000 car movements a day.

That will soon overtake the Brisbane CBD, as jobs and passenger numbers grow with the opening of the new $1.3 billion runway, he said.

Mr de Graaff said that ground transport was one of the most pressing challenges southeast Queensland faced to maintain its liveability.

Future Aviation, a two-week series in partnership with Brisbane Airport, Tourism & Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council and PwC, is highlighting the ­opportunities of the new runway, which opens in the middle of next year, but also some of the broader challenges facing the southeast.

Mr de Graaff said airport jobs would grow from 24,000 to about 50,000 in the next 20 years as the new runway helped passenger demand grow from 24 million to 50 million over the same period.

"If you take those numbers, the numbers of cars will double and that's not possible with the current road network,'' he said.

"We have to work together with local governments on better road access to the airport long-term, but also on alternative modes of transport.

"If your ground transport, your connectivity on the ground is not good, that has an immediate impact on the liveability of a city. It also has a direct effect on the attractiveness of a city. If you end up in traffic all day, or see cars everywhere, it just isn't an ­attractive city to go to."

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he wanted to expand the Brisbane Metro to the airport to offer affordable public transport for workers.

A congestion-busting City Deal was one of the top priorities of The Courier-Mail's ­Future SEQ campaign. It aims to have all three levels of government commit to a road map of essential infrastructure.

Among the elements being considered in the 20-year City Deal is fast rail connecting the Sunshine and Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Federal Member for Fairfax and City Deal champion, Ted O'Brien, said the population growth of southeast Queensland alone was going to put enormous pressure on infrastructure. "We need to solve the problem of congestion regardless of any Olympic Games bid. Where the Olympics comes in, it provides an opportunity to accelerate infrastructure to meet a firm deadline of 2032.

Finnish backpacker Ina Sulkanen, 29, flew in from Bali and hopped straight on an Airtrain bound for the Gold Coast. Ms Sulkanen said that the convenience of the train directly outside the terminal had convinced her to pre-book.

Brisbane Airtrain chief executive Chris Basche said that airports with rail were better airports.

"The reason why people use Airtrain is they want the certainty of using the train versus the uncertainty of road," Mr Basche said.

[James]

And these dire predictions are being made only ten years after Moreton Drive was built. A bit worrying - perhaps proof that you can't simply keep building roads to escape from congestion problems?

A more attractive network which makes connections easier would help.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Call for 'special deals' to lure private transport infrastructure builders

BUSINESS, engineering and property bosses have warned southeast Queensland risks grinding to a halt unless rail lines and bus routes are built to serve more than just the Brisbane CBD, calling for special deals to lure private operators into building expensive but essential infrastructure.

A political deal is on track to supercharge public transport and help secure the 2032 Olympics for southeast Queensland in the shape of the City Deal but infrastructure insiders say, on the anniversary of a groundbreaking road map to end traffic gridlock, that more needs to be done.

The National Faster Rail Agency, a funding commitment to explore Brisbane to Gold Coast fast rail, and agreement to deliver an SEQ City Deal represent some of the big wins since the release of the SEQ People Mass Movement Study just one year ago, the study's backers the SEQ Council of Mayors says.

It included calls for 47 prioritised projects, with a SEQ fast rail network as the lever to get commuters out of their cars before the southeast corner ground to a halt.

Council of Mayors chairman Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the biggest step forward was the commitment to a City Deal, which is being thrashed out by local councils, industry, State Treasurer Jackie Trad, Federal Cities Minister Alan Tudge and Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien.

The City Deal would agree a timeline of essential roads, rail and digital infrastructure that would be removed from political self-interest.

"The biggest step forward is the commitment from all levels of government to work together, through an SEQ City Deal, to identify and deliver our long-term infrastructure priorities; without the politics," Cr Schrinner said.

"We would like to see this bipartisan approach finally eliminate the unnecessary back-and-forth about funding splits and responsibilities and bring the focus back on getting projects underway.

"Seeing the national conversation around fast rail move forward was a huge win for South East Queensland.

"This was backed by Commonwealth funding to explore fast rail between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, building on the work already underway on the North Coast Connect business case.

"This is in addition to the $15 million already committed by the Commonwealth to investigate rail from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

"We also saw commitments to progress light rail on both the Sunshine and Gold coasts, and significant investments in improving the safety and efficiency of some of our major road corridors including the M1, Bruce and Mount Lindesay highways.

"We anticipate an SEQ City Deal with a strong focus on public transport which can pave the way for a successful SEQ 2032 Games proposal," said Cr Schrinner.

Achievements in the past year include:

- Establishment of the National Faster Rail Agency

- $8 million commitment for a fast rail business case between Brisbane and the Gold Coast

- Announcement of five Green Bridges across Brisbane, commencing with the Kangaroo Point to CBD bridge

- Progression of both the council's Brisbane Metro and the State Government's Cross River Rail projects

- Start of a detailed business case for Sunshine Coast Light Rail

- Start of a business case for the North West Transport Corridor

- Start on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A

- Start on the Inter-Regional Transport Corridor (Coomera Connector)

- Funding commitments for removal of open level crossings at Coopers Plains, Lindum and Beams Road, Carseldine

- Funding commitments to improve the M1, Bruce and Mount Lindesay highways.

Industry representatives welcomed the moves but warned more must be done to get Queensland moving.

"It is excellent that this year we will see critical transport projects including Cross River Rail and Metro move into their major construction phase, Chris Mountford, Property Council Queensland executive said.

"However we know that the region's population will continue to grow, and major transport projects typically take a long time to come to fruition.

"That is why it is so important that there is a long-term transport strategy that outlines the next wave of projects that will ensure our lifestyle and connectivity is not only maintained, but enhanced as the region continues to grow.

"With an Olympic Bid and SEQ City Deal on the agenda for this year, now is the time for all levels of government to commit to taking the necessary next steps to keep moving these projects forward."

Infrastructure Association of Queensland chief executive officer Priscilla Radice said southeast Queensland needed more rail.

"In the 12 months since the last study, governments have made progress on Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 and various Green Bridge links. Along with the SEQ City Deal, there has been good traction in getting projects underway, but more needs to be done," Ms Radice said.

"Brisbane is a capital city with low levels of rail infrastructure. Without more investment we will struggle to handle our predicted growth and maintain liveability and competitiveness. Rail is the proven mass transit game changer - people get out of their cars for rail but it is expensive to deliver.

"If we want to have a first-class public transport system, we need to rethink how it is funded. "Opening opportunities for private sector investment where we combine corridor or precinct development rights with transport operating rights would be transformational for Queensland."

Springfield City Group managing director Raynuha Sinnathamby said the southeast needed to move past the current 'all roads lead to Brisbane' approach.

"Urban hubs are now becoming cities in their own right, bringing employment opportunities and attracting industries well beyond the Brisbane CBD. This decentralisation is vital to growing SEQ's economy, and also reducing congestion on the key routes into the capital.

"In order to better distribute economic growth for everyone in SEQ, and at the same time minimise traffic issues, there needs to be long term planning for transport connectivity within broader SEQ, so economic value from residents, students, tourists and workers can flow throughout the Southern corner of the state with ease.

"Put simply, we need to make it easy for people to choose to live in the Redlands Coast and work in Springfield, or stay on the Gold Coast for their holiday and visit Brisbane. If we don't do that, we'll end up with a badly congested central CBD that few can afford to live near, and long queues of commuters driving in each day from the outer suburbs."

The SEQ Council of Mayors proposed a Games bid to fast-track new roads and rail with a feasibility study which gathered momentum on the back of The Courier-Mail's Future SEQ campaign.

In June, The Courier-Mail and sister SEQ mastheads officially backed the bid with front page editorials.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in December announced Queensland was going for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, won over by projections showing billions of dollars extra would pour into the state economy and create another 129,000 jobs on the back of the Games.

[SteelPan]

  achievement was once be a word used in conjunction with the actual opening on a major piece of infrastructure....now it relates to "undertaking a business case"   

whenever proposed "get people out of their cars/avoid gridlock" projects are promoted, "roads" seems to still be the first thing listed 

So far no confirmed commitments to any of:
> HighER-Speed Brisbane CBD/Beenleigh to meet the pretty decent corridor south to Coolangatta...sorry, I mean "Varsity Lakes"....still     [21stC Oz...over the border down into the Tweed possible  next, they'll find out, the Earth isn't flat] 
> HighER Speed Brisbane CBD to Sunshine Coast proper. [I say the Yanks return to the Moon before this happens] 
> HighER Speed Brisbane CBD to Toowoomba [The Yanks, maybe partnering with the EU Space Agency, have people on the surface of Mars] 

Meanwhile...back in South Eastern Queensland......   

[verbatim9]

achievement was once be a word used in conjunction with the actual opening on a major piece of infrastructure....now it relates to "undertaking a business case"   

whenever proposed "get people out of their cars/avoid gridlock" projects are promoted, "roads" seems to still be the first thing listed 

So far no confirmed commitments to any of:
> HighER-Speed Brisbane CBD/Beenleigh to meet the pretty decent corridor south to Coolangatta...sorry, I mean "Varsity Lakes"....still     [21stC Oz...over the border down into the Tweed possible  next, they'll find out, the Earth isn't flat] 
> HighER Speed Brisbane CBD to Sunshine Coast proper. [I say the Yanks return to the Moon before this happens] 
> HighER Speed Brisbane CBD to Toowoomba [The Yanks, maybe partnering with the EU Space Agency, have people on the surface of Mars] 

Meanwhile...back in South Eastern Queensland......   

I hope they can move on this in the next 3-5 years with the extension to OOL. Two fast straight tracks and electrified to Helidon and from Beerwah to Landsborough. Hopefully no more political dirt and mayhem to distract what the community really needs. Both parties are to blame for distractions and limiting progression on vital infrastructure.

[SteelPan]

Suggesting [IF possible] later this year BOT might consider "promoting" an open public meeting to show community dissatisfaction with the painfully ssslllooowwww progress of major new RAIL based transport initiatives in this part of the world - we of course do have a state election approaching - maybe politicians turn-up, maybe they don't - but a few months out from a state election, is likely a good time to demonstrate people aren't going to keep listening to the same rubbish from all sides of politics.

Squeaky wheel gets the oil and all.....

Could this be done...would at least a hundred people turn up? Could we get [for example] a City Hall Meeting room? JUST some early thoughts.....

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> COVID-19 puts Brisbane SEQ City deal in limbo

A multibillion-dollar deal to transform Brisbane and the southeast, involving former Treasurer Jackie Trad, has been kicked into limbo today despite other cities being on track to get their cash.

The SEQ CityDeal was supposed to take the politics out of major infrastructure planning and funding but has instead fallen victim to a combination of COVID-19 and the electoral cycle, stakeholders say.

The deal being brokered originally by then-Treasurer Jackie Trad, Federal cities minister Alan Tudge and the southeast's mayors on what the priorities were for infrastructure funding was expected this month but that timeline has been abandoned after COVID and the looming state election.

The Federal, state and local councils made the announcement just before midday today that that deal had been postponed, in a move industry groups have described as "cruel blow" for economic hopes.

"Today's announcement that the long-awaited South East Queensland City Deal has been delayed until some time in 2021 is a cruel blow to one of Australia's fastest growing regions, whose citizens deserve better," stakeholders the Property Council and the Committee for Brisbane said.

"For more than two years, the Federal and Queensland Governments and the Council of Mayors (South East Queensland) have been negotiating, with the support of industry, to deliver a package of infrastructure investment that recognises, and plans for, the region's growth.

"The significant impact of COVID-19 on the State's economy should provide added impetus to a City Deal, now.

"In an announcement that is the complete opposite, the governments will 'extend the negotiation of the SEQ City Deal into 2021 while we focus on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic'.

"A SEQ City Deal should be the centrepiece of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "Today's decision to postpone all the hard work done to date is confusing and disappointing.

"Other regions of Australia – Darwin, Geelong, Western Sydney, Albury/Wodonga – are benefiting from billions of dollars of investment through City Deals, so why is southeast Queensland being neglected?

"We remain committed to working with all three levels of government to deliver a SEQ City Deal.

"We ask the governments to reconsider this decision and deliver on the promises made to south east Queensland residents to fund and prioritise City Deal projects that will support our growth and our economy."

An email sent to stakeholders today says "The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have agreed to extend the negotiation of the SEQ City Deal into 2021 while we focus on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As governments focus on the COVID-19 impacts it will be important to assess new priorities in the context of the recovery at a later date.

"This will ensure all levels of government have greater clarity of the impacts on the SEQ region and that new and emerging priorities are considered to ensure we have a solid foundation for our future SEQ vision."

The City Deal could be a critical part of Queensland's economic recovery, Brisbane Lord Mayor and SEQ Council of Mayors chairman Adrian Schrinner said.

"Extending work on the SEQ City Deal into 2021 allows COVID-19 impacts to be considered as part of our future planning for the region. It gives us time to work closely with councils and industry to understand what is needed for the long-term recovery of South East Queensland," Cr Schrinner said.

"Having all levels of government working together to get our economy back on track is absolutely vital and the SEQ City Deal could be a key part of the recovery effort."

A spokesman for current Treasurer Cameron Dick, who replaced Jackie Trad at the negotiating table after she should down from Cabinet, said the priority was dealing with COVID-19.

"The agreement to extend negotiations on an SEQ City Deal was a joint decision by the Federal and State Governments and the SEQ Council of Mayors," he said.

"While securing an SEQ City Deal remains a longer-term priority, the immediate focus for all governments is priorities around addressing the health and economic impacts of COVID-19."

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Delay in billion-dollar City Deal a 'cruel blow' to Queensland recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a plan to direct billions of dollars towards south-east Queensland projects over the next 20 years on hold.

The plan would commit local, state and federal governments to fund specific areas to cater to a population that will grow by 1.9 million people in the next two decades.

The Property Council of Queensland and the Committee for Brisbane described the delay to 2021 as "a cruel blow" for south-east Queensland, where citizens "deserved better".

Queensland Property Council executive director Chris Mountford questioned the wisdom of delaying the funding plan.

"To be fair, we would have expected a few months' delay on the basis that COVID-19 has had an impact, but to simply kick the can into next year seems too much of a delay," Mr Mountford said.

He said other states were doing a better job of locking in private-sector investment as part of their economic recovery plans.

"Queensland is really slow out of the gate on this front. We are not seeing much of the critical role that private investment will need to play in that," he said.

"I think if they were still negotiating the Western Sydney City Deal, I am fairly confident the NSW government would not be tolerating a pause.

"They would more likely be saying, 'we want the investment faster because we want that investment sooner'."

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick rejected suggestions Queensland's economic recovery was lagging behind other states.

"The Queensland economy is actually thrashing New South Wales," Mr Dick said.

"We were the only state to record a decline in our unemployment rate last month, and recent transaction data from the Commonwealth Bank shows Queensland private-sector spending has recovered faster and higher than any other state."

Mr Dick said Queensland was able to attract the $2 billion Forest Wind renewable power project in Wide Bay, the $2.1 billion Dexus redevelopment of Brisbane's Eagle Street, and the $1.5 billion Valeria coal mine.

"The reality is that the SEQ City Deal would do nothing to improve these numbers in the COVID environment because it's about projects that only deliver years away," Mr Dick said.

"This includes things like the 2032 Olympics, a process which is currently on hold given the IOC has delayed the 2020 Olympics."

Cities Minister Alan Tudge signed a statement of intent in Brisbane on March 15, 2019, with Queensland's then-treasurer, Jackie Trad, and former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, who was chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors at the time.

The formal South-East Queensland City Deal was expected to be signed in mid-2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

However, a decision to delay planning was agreed by all three levels of government, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

"The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have agreed to extend the negotiation of the SEQ City Deal into 2021 while we focus on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement reads.

"As governments focus on the COVID-19 impacts it will be important to assess new priorities in the context of the recovery at a later date.

"This will ensure all levels of government have greater clarity of the impacts on the SEQ region and that new and emerging priorities are considered to ensure we have a solid foundation for our future SEQ vision."

The email was signed by Mr Tudge, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick and Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner, chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Mr Mountford said the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the state's economy "should provide added impetus to a City Deal, now".

He and Committee for Brisbane chief executive Barton Green said in a joint statement an SEQ City Deal should be the centrepiece of recovery.

"The decision to postpone all the hard work done to date is confusing and disappointing."

There are seven signed City Deals in place throughout Australia: Townsville, Launceston, western Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong and Adelaide.

The statement from the Property Council of Queensland and Committee for Brisbane asked governments to reconsider this decision.

"Deliver on the promises made to south-east Queensland residents to fund and prioritise City Deal projects that will support our growth and our economy."

[SteelPan]

The penniless and clueless mob in William St can't thank Covid enough, for the many get out of jail cards it's given them!   

[Stillwater]

Geez, when will the political oneupmanship stop!

The $58 BILLION SEQ City Deal has stalled. https://inqld.com.au/politics/2021/09/10/deal-or-no-deal-seqs-landmark-big-projects-agreement-falls-victim-to-politics

The reasons can be guessed at, but it's worthwhile noting that a federal election is due to be called by May 2022 and, no doubt, the Feds would be very keen to sign off on the deal so that all the goodies it contains can be announced across SEQ, with media fanfare, turning of sods ... glossy brochures and maybe even a fly-through or three.

What does the Queensland Labor Government do? It looks the gift horse in the mouth and stalls the completion of the Deal ... just so it can deny an LNP Government in Canberra publicity during an election campaign.

Furthermore, there probably is some argy-bargy going on about which projects and in and which projects are out.

And we probably will see the ALP both refusing to sign off on the deal while, at the same time, announcing the State's wishlist (announced by ALP federal members and candidates), holding sod turnings for those state-favoured projects and calling on the Federal Government to fund them within the City Deal.

It is shaping up to be a real clusterfuk arising from bareknuckle political fisticuffs that peppers the rollout of and sensible infrastructure in Queensland.

[ozbob]

Couriermail -->'Practically worthless': GST fight puts City Deal and Olympics $

A City Deal that will be vital to building infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics is in jeopardy after the State Government baulked at the current arrangements.

A massive pact that will play a significant role in getting 2032 Olympics projects off the ground has been stalled as the Queensland Government backs away from negotiations, amid calls for them to "get the deal done".

But in a dramatic development, State Development Minister Steven Miles accused the Federal Government of no longer negotiating in good faith, calling the current arrangements "practically worthless".

The South East Queensland City Deal, which will tie in three levels of government to backing a 20-year pipeline of infrastructure projects including for the Olympics, needs the Queensland Government's approval to get off the ground. ...

[Stillwater]

One interpretation of the impasse is that the feds won't let the considerable money it is tossing in (state contribution much smaller) go to projects/electorates that advantage state Labor. Let's hope we get some decent projects out of this, not just shiny red baubles. Qld Govt always regards money from Canberra as 'free' or money that is the state's anyway and needs to be liberated from the vault marked 'Queensland' in the basement of the Federal Treasury.

Remember, for any project that involves fed money from the City Deal, a robust Business Case will need to be prepared. Let's hope we don't have new projects that follow the fiasco that was CRR.

[kram0]

I wouldn't trust Miles as far as I could throw him. Mr attack dog and he loves playing the game of politics!!

[Stillwater]

And, as noted previously, why not drag the chain just a little and prevent finalisation of the City Deal to deny federal Coalition of lots of photo opportunities and sod-turning ceremonies in the lead-up to the federal election, which must be held before May 2022. Hey Presto! City Deal signed after May 2022, then pollies rush out the door to announce individual projects. With $50 billion or so up for grab, it will be a bunfight.

Under what circumstances is a negotiation over such a large sum of money 'practically worthless', as Mr Miles claims? Is he just playing coy, hoping the feds will up the ante even more?

[Stillwater]

This does not read well.... media statement from the feds, 29 September (below). If you read between the lines, Queensland holding out for more money or the state has priorities different to those agreed between the feds and the Mayors of SEQ. What we don't need is a lot of delays in the lead-up to Olympics - meaning that project deadlines won't be met or a whole lot of construction occurs all at once, jacking up the prices ... and meaning that the $58 billion won't be sufficient to meet what's planned.

The media statement reads:

The Morrison Government stands ready to finalise a City Deal for the people of South East Queensland (SEQ) and deliver critical infrastructure across the region with a list of projects having been agreed to with the Council of Mayors (SEQ). Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said it was now up to the Queensland Government to come to the table to finalise the Deal.

"The SEQ City Deal has been in negotiations for over two years and it is time to get the Deal done," Minister Fletcher said.

"Since signing the Statement of Intent in 2019, we have worked closely with the Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to identify a list of projects within the Deal that will support the growth of industry and businesses, and enhance the region's vibrancy and liveability.

"I took on the Commonwealth Ministerial responsibility for the SEQ City Deal in December 2020 and since that time, there have been several leadership group meetings involving the Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and me, along with our respective officials.

"Those meetings, and the follow up work done by officials across all three levels of government, have refined the list of projects and initiatives considered for inclusion in the SEQ City Deal.

"The list now agreed between the Morrison Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) reflects that work, so it should not now be too difficult for the Queensland Government to also sign up.

"The Morrison Government has made clear its readiness to commit significant funding for this City Deal.

"The Deal presents an opportunity for all three levels of government to work together to deliver more local jobs, greater investment, better connectivity and improved liveability across SEQ, from Maroochydore to Toowoomba to Scenic Rim.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> $400m infrastructure projects axed as government feud deepens $

Almost $400m of infrastructure projects have been axed from South East Queensland's landmark City Deal amid a worsening feud between the state and Commonwealth governments.

Negotiations over the deal – which would tie in three levels of government to backing a 20-year pipeline of infrastructure projects including for the Olympics – have stalled, with Deputy Premier Steven Miles now accusing the federal government of attempting to short-change Queenslanders.

He said projects which had failed to make the cut in the tweaked City Deal include the Maroochydore Convention Centre, The Mill at Moreton Bay and Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct in Toowoomba – which along with other axed projects are worth about $400m.

Mr Miles said the proposed deal would deliver about $400 in per capita funding – well below the average $1500 spent in deals already signed with eight other Australian cities. ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Honeymoon over for 2032 Olympics partnership amid SEQ funding flip-flop $

A proposal to spend $125 million on a major redevelopment around a fledgling university campus on Brisbane's northside has been deleted from the latest draft South East Queensland City Deal.

The Mill at Petrie website still says it is part of the yet-to-be finalised SEQ City Deal but Brisbane Times has learnt the federal government has removed the project from the funding list.

Other projects to be removed include a $105 million expansion of a Griffith University innovation precinct and a $225 million conference centre at Maroochydore.

Ahead of the federal election, the Commonwealth has instead offered a $200 million "innovation fund" and a $287 million South East Queensland Livability Fund.

Relations between federal and state officials have deteriorated to the point where both levels of government have leaked information in the past fortnight to press their case that the other is responsible for stalled negotiations.

The City Deal was meant to underpin their partnership for the 2032 Olympics, set to be facilitated through legislation due to be introduced this week. ...

[#Metro]

^ I wouldn't bother with any deals until the election is called and over.

[Gazza]

I'm surprised the mill was deleted, isn't that in Peter Duttons electorate?

[kram0]

Would be nice if we knew what was on their.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/eastTMoore/status/1456431797705723907

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/bne_lordmayor/status/1456533858313129989

[ozbob]

Early signs of panic ...   

[Fares_Fair]

 
Very funny, yet sadly too true.

[#Metro]

Earnestly awaiting BCC's regional rapid bus with rocket buses ex Eagle street to Toowoomba, Maroochydore and Surfers Paradise.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> City Deal: $1.8b in South East Qld infrastructure announced by PM, Premier $

A pipeline of infrastructure projects worth $1.8 billion has been locked in for South East Queensland, with all three levels of government to approve a landmark City Deal that includes a major addition to the Brisbane Metro.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, flanked by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, will today unveil the 20-year pipeline of projects, with the announcement coming three years after at-times-bitter negotiations between the two governments.

The deal includes a $450 million 2032 Olympics-driven commitment for a new Woolloongabba Brisbane Metro station — making it a major interchange between the South East Busway and under-construction Cross River Rail.

It also marks the first time the State Government has contributed funds to the Brisbane City Council-led project. ...

[verbatim9]

Does that mean they could be an underground station at Southbank now?