Queensland Budget 2020-21

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Jackie Trad's pre-election Budget coming six weeks early

Treasurer Jackie Trad has confirmed her important pre-election Budget will be delivered much earlier than usual and has outlined her reasons why, denying it was to give Labor an advantage over the LNP.

JACKIE Trad will hand down her final Budget before the October 2020 State Election in April, six weeks earlier than expected.

The Treasurer said the move was designed to give business and industry more certainty heading into the election year, revealing her third Budget will be heavily focused on stimulus and infrastructure spending.

"This is in light of the fact that we have nationally stubborn economic conditions that are of concern to our state economy (and) the fact that the Morrison Government won't heed the calls of the Reserve bank or the Australian Business Council or the Australian Industry Group and use their levers to stimulate the national economy," she told The Courier-Mail of the decision.

"We will be working very hard over Christmas and early in the new year to give business and industry the confidence they need in 2020 to get on and hire more Queenslanders into jobs.

"There's no doubt that in an election year there is a lot of uncertainty generally in the business community about what's going to happen.

"By bringing forward the Budget and locking in a program of infrastructure spend, a program of industry assistance, a program of regional economic support, we know that will give businesses and industry a lot more confidence going forward than waiting out another six weeks and then heading into estimates before finally facing an election in October."

Ms Trad insisted the move was not designed to give Labor an electoral advantage over the LNP.

"This is not about an electoral advantage. In fact it gives people more time to scrutinise the Budget decisions," she said.

"This is actually about indicating to small business owners, to regional business particularly that we want to make the spending decisions, the revenue decisions that are necessary to give them confidence in the lead up to the election."

The Budget will be brought down on April 28 rather than in June as expected.

Estimates will be brought forward to the second and third week in June.

Parliament itself will resume on February 4.

[verbatim9]

Queensland State Politics---> Queensland's debt blows out by $1b in six months as coal price slumps.

[Stillwater]

And GST receipts to states down for September-October as people curbed their spending - may pick up over Christmas.

[ozbob]

In Queensland --> Clouds gather before State Budget storm

Taxpayer-funded auditors have given a bleak outlook for the Queensland Budget, with expenses rising faster than revenue and no sign of a windfall any time soon.

In a report tabled in parliament, the Queensland Audit Office found the State Government's financial performance had deteriorated since the last election and forecasts were grim.

"Since 2016–17, the Queensland Government's expenses have increased by $7.3 billion (11 per cent), while it has only been able to increase total revenue by $4 billion (six per cent)," the report states.

"The growth in expenses over this period has been driven by increases in: employee expenses, including superannuation (13 per cent); other operating expenses (nine per cent); grant expenses (15 per cent)."

In a report tabled in parliament, the Queensland Audit Office found the State Government's financial performance had deteriorated since the last election and forecasts were grim.

"Since 2016–17, the Queensland Government's expenses have increased by $7.3 billion (11 per cent), while it has only been able to increase total revenue by $4 billion (six per cent)," the report states.

"The growth in expenses over this period has been driven by increases in: employee expenses, including superannuation (13 per cent); other operating expenses (nine per cent); grant expenses (15 per cent)."

"It creates even more pressure on us to engage with stakeholders and get the budget settings right," Trad said.

As Trad prepares the Dtate Budget, to be handed down on April 28, the report has flagged a need for tax hikes, particularly with declining GST revenue from the Commonwealth. The state remains heavily reliant on coal royalties.

"If the Australian Government reduces the grant revenue it provides, the Queensland Government may need to increase the revenue it generates itself to meet its service delivery costs," the report states.

Trad would not be drawn on her intentions, but said the national economy was struggling and had needed stimulus measures before Covid-19 hit the tourism, retail and export sectors. She expressed concern for jobs and said major projects remained vital.

"The states are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to infrastructure," Trad said.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has rejected the states' call for crisis talks, ahead of the next treasurers' meeting in April, and is facing budgetary problems of his own.

[Stillwater]

Under the current circumstances, Queensland cannot expect additional funding support from the feds unless it is part of an infrastructure stimulus package to ease rising unemployment. If the feds did give money to Queensland, it probably would be linked to a co-contribution, i.e. for the Sunshine Coast Line duplication. Are we to witness Trad and Co. pursue the usual bunfight over 50:50, 80:20 or other funding splits while thousands line up outside Centrelink offices, the money unspent?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/jackietrad/status/1254891211145371653

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> COVID-19 pushes Qld debt past $91.8 billion as revenues collapse

QUEENSLAND will need to borrow big as it responds to COVID-19, but the Treasurer still doesn't know how much more the state's debt bomb will soar past its previous estimate of $91.8 billion.

Jackie Trad ruled out increased taxes and royalties and promised not to go after public servant jobs as she nominated slashing government travel and a $500 million public servant pay rise freeze as ways to claw back billions in savings.

Asked whether she had a "ballpark figure" around what extra debt the government would need to take on to make up the $4 billion in revenue writedowns and billions in extra spending, she said: "I don't at this stage."

It follows Moody's rating agency this week finding Queensland's outlook was "stable" but its AA1 credit rating risked downgrading if a higher debt burden saw significant deficits and continued revenue weakness without an appropriate policy response.

It identified the growing debt burden to fund infrastructure spending and increasing revenue and expenditure challenges exacerbated by current conditions were "credit challenges".

Ms Trad said the Commonwealth had taken on $320 billion in debt to respond to the pandemic and states would have to borrow too.

"It means government tightening our belts, it means doing what the Commonwealth has done and look at additional borrowings but we know it's going to be a combination of a range of things," she said.

"But at the end of the day, what Queenslanders want is they want us focused on them, their jobs, their businesses that they have invested their life savings in that are now closed.

"That's where our focus is and we need to make sure that we are doing what that RBA said and that is using our balance sheet to protect the economy."

Treasury has estimated a $4 billion revenue writedown as GST revenues collapse because people stop spending on "non-essential" goods that attract the tax, transfer duties plummet as people stop buying houses and other revenue bases are whacked.

The Treasurer said she expected "big conversations" to be had in coming months around revenue, taxation, industry policy and around how economies can be better protected from global shocks.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/5/19/202021-queensland-budget-timetable

Media Statements

Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

2020-21 QUEENSLAND BUDGET TIMETABLE

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has announced that the Palaszczuk Government will publish a COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review (C19-FER) in September this year.

"Consistent with the Federal Government, and all other States and Territories, Queensland suspended the budget for 2020-21 because, as the Prime Minister and Governor of the Reserve Bank have said, it is simply not sensible to produce economic forecasts at this time," the Treasurer said.

"Now we have a roadmap to reopen the economy, we can restart the process of assessing the economy and the state's finances, as we plot the path to recovery and resurgence.

"The COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review (C19-FER) will be produced by the Queensland Treasury to the same standards used for the annual Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review (MYFER).

"The MYFER process is one that is recognised and trusted by financial market and ratings agencies to report key fiscal and economic variables, and C19-FER will be no different.

"This approach ensures maximum financial transparency around the Government's program for jobs, investment and infrastructure.

Mr Dick said that he expected that C19-FER would show a significant impact due to COVID-19.

"In MYFER in December 2019, our budget was in surplus.

"Since that time, we've had to invest heavily to save jobs, and we also expect revenues were hit.

"The C19-FER process will allow us to assess and report these impacts for the full 2019-20 financial year."

"I will also make myself available to appear before Parliament's Economic and Governance Committee in relation to C19-FER," Mr Dick said.

"This will ensure Queenslanders will go to the election fully informed of the Government's plan to get Queensland back to work and to reinvigorate our state's economy."

Ends.

[verbatim9]

The Queensland's Budget is on December 1. I guess we will hear more about going forward with current and new public transport projects?

[AnonymouslyBad]

^ I wouldn't expect to hear much at all, to be honest? It's disappointing, but there's a one-eyed focus on CRR at the moment (as watered down as it may be).

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1333057507095322625

Fantasy ...

[ozbob]

Estimates:

Friday, 11 December 2020

Minister for Transport and Main Roads (Transport and Main Roads):
9am—11am

BREAK: 11am—11:30am

Minister for Transport and Main Roads (Transport and Main Roads):
11:30am—1:15pm

[verbatim9]

[ozbob]

Queensland Budget 2020-21 web site

> https://budget.qld.gov.au

The 2020-21 Queensland Budget will be tabled in State Parliament on Tuesday 1 December 2020

Documents should be available on this link shortly after that.

[ozbob]

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/the-winners-and-losers-in-the-queensland-budget-20201130-p56j88.html

Train builders: For the first time in almost a decade, Queensland trains will be built in Queensland. The first 20 trains to run underneath Brisbane on the Cross River Rail will be built in Maryborough and $600 million has been budgeted for a pipeline of work over the next few years.

[ozbob]

Queensland Budget 2020-21 web site

> https://budget.qld.gov.au

The 2020-21 Queensland Budget will be tabled in State Parliament on Tuesday 1 December 2020

Documents should be available on this link shortly after that.

Documents now available

>> https://budget.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

https://budget.qld.gov.au/highlights/#building-queensland

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The government's capital works program in 2020–21 will deliver a wide range of projects across the state with around 58 per cent of the capital program and 28,700 of the jobs supported being outside the Greater Brisbane area.

In 2020–21, the government will deliver a $6.3 billion investment in transformative transport infrastructure. Highlights of the 2020–21 transport capital program include $1.5 billion to continue construction work on Cross River Rail, and substantial ongoing investment to fund major upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Bruce Highway.

Construction of Cross River Rail commenced in 2019 and is being delivered across three major works packages and multiple worksites. The new 10.2km rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills will increase network capacity and support 7,700 full-time equivalent jobs and 450 apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities during construction. The project also includes a series of new train stations and upgrades to existing stations.

The M1 Pacific Motorway is the state's busiest major highway and plays an important role in connecting communities across South East Queensland. The $3.4 billion M1 program of works, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, includes major projects such as the Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade, Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade, and the Yatala South (Exit  41) and Pimpama (Exit 49) interchange upgrades. The M1 program of works is complemented by the jointly funded $1.5 billion Coomera Connector (Stage 1) project between Nerang and Coomera, to provide for a 'second M1'.

Among other major highway projects ongoing are:

work on the $400 million Ipswich Motorway upgrade from Rocklea to Darra
work on the $164 million Smithfield Bypass on the Captain Cook highway.
$709.9 million in joint funding is allocated for the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A, to extend the line south to Burleigh Heads. Work is continuing on the $550.8 million jointly funded North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Nambour.

Joint State and Australian Government funding of $244 million has been allocated for the Centenary Bridge upgrade which will greatly improve traffic movement to Brisbane's west.

The Budget also includes substantial ongoing investment in key infrastructure supporting the state's delivery of enhanced justice and public safety services, including $178 million over three years from 2019–20 on additional youth justice infrastructure.

In 2020–21 $526.2 million will be invested through capital purchases and grants to construct new social housing dwellings, upgrade existing properties and provide housing services, including in Indigenous communities.

The government's capital program includes providing grants to councils and non-government organisations to support their work within communities across Queensland. In total, the government will provide $2.2 billion in capital grants in 2020–21, including $180 million to all local governments through the government's $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program to support jobs and provide economic stimulus to local economies.

$52.2 million will be invested in 2020–21 to continue work on the $232 million channel capacity upgrade at the Port of Townsville.

$4 million has been allocated for initial planning for a new Bribie Island Bridge.

[ozbob]

https://budget.qld.gov.au/highlights/#making-it-for-queensland

BUILDING TRAINS IN QUEENSLAND

For the first time in nearly a decade, Queensland trains will be built in Queensland. A $1 billion investment pipeline will support hundreds of workers in Maryborough, and expand the state's manufacturing expertise, as part of a 10-year plan. The investment pipeline includes:

$600 million for 20 new Queensland trains and the infrastructure needed to build them in Maryborough, delivering jobs to the region

$1 million for a business case to replace carriages for the Westlander, Inlander and Spirit of the Outback long-distance services

continuing the $300 million, 10-year pipeline of manufacturing work to refurbish and maintain the existing Queensland Rail fleet

continuing a $85 million investment for Maryborough workers to repair incompatible internationally built trains.

[ozbob]

I cannot see anything about level crossing removals or other network upgrades.

If anyone finds anything please post here.  Thanks.

[Gazza]

Kind of a bummer that $5.4 billion for CRR was the subject of years of negotiation over multiple terms of government and endless redesigns and scope reductions, meanwhile $3.4b for M1 upgrades plus $1.5b for the 2nd M1 ($4.9b) just gets funded within one term of government no worries mate.

[ozbob]

https://budget.qld.gov.au/files/SDS_2.pdf

Transport is from page 2-146

[ozbob]

Media Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91072

Budget 2020-21 drives economic recovery through 1000 election commitments

1st December 2020

Treasurer and Minister for Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Queensland's 2020-2021 budget will deliver on key election commitments as the Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver its plan for economic recovery.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said thanks to Queensland's strong health response, the state economy was in a stronger position than others.

"This budget will support our economic recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic by supporting jobs and supporting Queensland communities with investment in infrastructure as well as Queensland manufacturing and supporting our regional centres," the Premier said.

"It delivers on our election commitments and is the next step in Queensland's economic recovery."

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said that the 2020-21 State Budget shows Queensland's superior economic performance means we will be the only state, other than Western Australia, to record positive economic growth this financial year.

"Before and during the State Election – held just one month ago – we made more than 1,000 commitments to communities, businesses and the state's 5.2 million people," said Mr Dick.

"The Government's commitments were all laid out in the COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review, the Palaszczuk Government's Economic Recovery Plan, and our 2020 election costings"

"The 2020 budget will help drive a $56 billion capital works program – the largest in over decade, with $14.8 billion to be spent this financial year supporting 46,000 jobs

Mr Dick said Queenslanders following medical advice and working together with health professionals and frontline agencies to manage the impacts of COVID-19 has seen the state recover faster economically that others.

"This Budget outlines the continued steps we will be taking on that road to recovery," he said.

"It delivers on the Palaszczuk Labor government's clearly defined priorities:

Safeguarding our health: Safeguarding our health and jobs by keeping Queensland pandemic ready.
Supporting jobs: Support increased jobs in more industries to diversify our economy and grow our existing strengths in agriculture, resources and tourism.
Backing small business: Helping small business, the backbone of our economy, thrive in a changing environment.
Making it for Queensland: Growing manufacturing across traditional and new industries, making new products in new ways and creating new jobs.
Building Queensland: Driving investment in the infrastructure that supports our recovery, resilience and future prosperity.
Growing our regions: Helping Queensland's regions grow by attracting people, talent and investment, and driving sustainable economic prosperity.
Investing in skills: Ensuring Queenslanders have the skills they need to find meaningful jobs and set up pathways for the future.
Backing our frontline services: Deliver world class frontline services in key areas such as health, education and community safety.
Protecting the environment: Protect and enhance our natural environment and heritage for future generations and achieve a 50% renewable energy target by 2030.
"More than anything else, this Budget has a single overarching objective – creating more Queensland jobs. It is focused on economic recovery and sustainable fiscal repair.

"It is unashamedly pro-business and pro-growth," he said.

Among the key highlights from the 2020-21 State Budget are:

46,000 jobs supported by the government's $14.8 billion infrastructure investment in 2020-21, including 28,700 - or 58 per cent - of those jobs being outside of the Greater Brisbane region
A $56 billion investment over four years in capital works and infrastructure – the largest in over a decade – including large-scale projects such as:

upgrades to the State's 'spine', the Bruce Highway
a range of works on the M1 Pacific, Ipswich and Centenary Motorways
continued construction of Cross River Rail, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A and on the North Coast rail line
enhancements to our network of government-owned energy, water and port assets
renewable energy projects
new or upgraded hospitals, schools and TAFE campuses
additional social housing and
improving justice and public safety facilities.
"This massive program of works also supporting thousands upon thousands of smaller-scale projects in just about every suburb, town or regional city of the state," said Mr Dick.

"Our Budget details many of those important projects, as well as programs supporting councils to deliver a multitude of job-generating projects in their local communities.

"Given almost half of the state's population lives outside of Greater Brisbane, we are strongly focused on delivering the necessary support to enable our regions to grow and economically prosper.

"This includes our key industries such as tourism, agriculture and mining.

"We are also supporting Queensland's mighty manufacturers and attracting new businesses to the state to support economic diversity and resilience – and create new jobs."

Mr Dick said $21.8 billion has been allocated to health and $17.5 billion for education and training in 2020-21.

"We are also investing heavily in our frontline services, which were so vital in the COVID-19 response. This includes more nurses and midwives, more doctors and other health professionals including 475 ambulance operatives; an extra 2,025 police personnel over the next five years; 357 extra firefighters and thousands of new teachers and teacher aides."

Mr Dick said $200 million will be invested in the future skills of Queenslanders, while the free TAFE and free apprenticeship programs currently offered to people aged under 21s, will be extended to under 25s, opening up this opportunity to another 37,000 young Queenslanders.

"The Budget also backs Queensland's small businesses, to support jobs and communities. More than $7 billion in COVID-19 stimulus measures have been provided already, reducing business costs through payroll tax relief and other tax relief measures.

"We are also protecting the environment and supporting the renewable energy sector as it continues to grow. The Great Barrier Reef will benefit from an additional $40 million and naturally will be one of many locations featured in a new Good to Go tourism campaign commencing today, focused on attracting more interstate visitors."

Mr Dick said there was also a reforming element to the 2020-21 Budget, necessitated by its timing.

"The financial statements have been simplified to the income statements which has been required given the close proximity of the 2020 State Election and machinery of government changes," he said.

"In addition, the tables include 2019-20 Actuals rather than estimates from the previous financial year as annual reports have already been tabled in parliament.

"Budget Measures, typically presented as Budget Paper 4, has been included with agency Service Delivery Statements while the whole-of-government capital program is presented on an infrastructure class basis."

ENDS

[ozbob]

Townsville Bulletin --> Qld budget 2020: Massive spends on train, roads as state bounces back

Extract

TRAINS

The 2020-21 budget allocates $600 million towards the government's $1 billion 10-year commitment to make trains in the state again. In total, the government will spend $35 million on the project before June 30, 2021.

"For the first time in a decade, we will ensure that our state's trains carry the proudest stamp of all ... Made in Queensland," Treasurer Cameron Dick said.

The government will also continue its 10-year pipeline of manufacturing work in Maryborough to refurbish and maintain the existing Queensland rail fleet.

In addition to the $600 million 10-year package the government has invested for the construction of 20 new trains, it will also consider an option to build a further 45 trains to meet further network demand.

The budget also allocates money to help revitalise rail manufacturing in Rockhampton, to secure land to develop a rail maintenance, manufacturing and logistics centre that can support local suppliers to manufacture components for Queensland-built trains.

Other commitments include the continuation of $85 million in works to improve disability accessibility on the New Generation Rollingstock Fleet.

The government will look at further investment in train tourism, setting aside $1 million for a business case to replace carriages for the Westlander, Inlander and Spirit of the Outback long-distance services.

The Cross River Rail will continue to be a major beneficiary of the Queensland government's transport spend, with $1.5 billion to be spent on the project before June 30, 2021.

Cross River Rail, which began construction in 2019, will increase network capacity along the new 10.2km underground line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills. Three new train stations on the Gold Coast will be built as part of the project and eight above-ground stations upgraded.

Throughout its construction, the project will support 7700 full-time equivalent jobs and 450 apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
The Gold and Sunshine coasts will benefit from transport spending, with the government investing $50.4 million of the $709.9 million total spend in joint funding for the Gold Coast Light Rail stage 3 that will involve trams travelling south to Burleigh.

Gold Coast residents and tourists are a step closer to the realisation of the Gold Coast Light Rail stage 3A, which will extend the line from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads. The government has allocated $709.9 million in joint funding, with a capital spend estimate of $50m in 2020-21.

On the Sunshine Coast, work is continuing on the $550.8m jointly funded North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Nambour, with at least $38 million to be spent this year.

On the Sunshine Coast, the government will spend $38.9 million of a $550.8m total spend in joint funding for the North Coast Line – Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1333637388942200832

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91068

Record Qld transport, roads spend supports jobs, COVID recovery

1st December 2020

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver its fifth record roads and transport budget for Queensland, with $26.9 billion to support 23,600 jobs as part of the state's economic recovery plan.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said building on record investment and projects like the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Bypass, the $497 million Mackay Ring Road, M1 upgrades in Logan and on the Gold Coast, and Peninsula Developmental Road upgrades as well as a $12.6 billion jointly-funded Bruce Highway plan, the government would lock in a four-year pipeline of works to charge the state's COVID-19 recovery.

"Queenslanders have backed our Premier, our record and our vision for the sunshine state," Mr Bailey said.

"Over the next four years, Queenslanders will see major projects like the $1 billion Gympie Bypass, $480 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Edmonton and Gordonvale and close to $2 billion in M1 upgrades completed – and some of the state's largest ever jobs and infrastructure projects kick off.

"Not only will we build Queensland's biggest rail project: Cross River Rail, Queensland trains will be built by Queenslanders in Maryborough.

"We have committed a $1 billion rail manufacturing pipeline to lock in long term stable manufacturing jobs in Maryborough and supply chains across Queensland, including in Rockhampton.

"Building on our current and future M1 upgrades, our $1.5 billion second M1 – a 16.1km alternative from the AFL stadium at Cararra to the Marine Precinct at Coomera will start next year.

"The Gold Coast's iconic blue and yellow trams will make their way to Burleigh Heads with our $709 million third stage of light rail underway.

"We'll see 662 local jobs come on line with six-laning between Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast and more than 800 local jobs with the $1 billion Rocky Ring Road.

"We'll boost the inland freight route from Charters Towers to the New South Wales border, improving efficiency for our freight industry and taking heavy vehicles off the Bruce.

"That's part of a $15 billion investment in regional roads, transport and statewide programs, backing 13,500 regional jobs.

"The Palaszczuk government will build more bike lanes and rail trails as the only major party with a policy for active transport – including the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway, Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail and Sunshine Coast hinterland bike trail.

"We'll strengthen our coastal shipping industry with a $21 million commitment to get more local crews on ships, support a new shipping service between Townsville and Brisbane, and more maritime skills and training.

"This budget means thousands of secure jobs for Queenslanders. It means improving productivity for our economy, and better safety for those travelling throughout Queensland.

Mr Bailey said the Bruce Highway remained a major focus, with 33 major projects currently underway and continued delivery of the jointly funded $12.6 billion, 15-year upgrade program, including a State-funded $100 million boost, helping to improve safety, flood immunity and capacity along this important link between Brisbane and Cairns.

He said QTRIP included $280 million over four years for the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) to support jobs and improve and maintain the local transport network across Queensland.

"This is a commitment to provide certainty of funding for local governments, which is critical to improving and maintaining the local transport network across this diverse state," he said.

"This funding is vital for local councils to support their works programs and local jobs.

Mr Bailey said $1.18 billion was allocated to targeted road safety programs, which was critical to reducing road trauma and savings lives.

"Every death on the road is a tragedy and we are committed to savings lives and reducing the impact on the community," he said.

Mr Bailey said the QTRIP 2020-21 to 2023-24 highlighted the Queensland Government's commitment to key infrastructure projects across the state and reflected recently announced road upgrade projects as part of the Queensland Government's COVID-19 economic recovery response. 

This includes:

$400 million state funding towards a $440.25 million package of road upgrades, as part of the Queensland Economic Strategy: Unite and recover for Queensland Jobs
$415 million, jointly funded package of road upgrades as part of the Australian Government's Economic Stimulus package, to deliver shovel-ready projects across the state's network.

"Global economies are doing it tough. But thanks to Queenslanders and the strength of our Premier, we will deliver Queensland's plan for jobs and economic recovery.

"Because this government will always put Queensland's health and economic strength first."

Key road projects (including jointly funded investments with the Australian Government) include:

$2.1 billion for Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway upgrades in northern Brisbane, including North South Urban Arterial corridor (dubbed the "Moreton Connector")
$1.53 billion for the Coomera Connector (Stage 1) between Coomera and Nerang
$1.065 billion for the Rockhampton Ring Road
$1 billion for the M1 between Varsity Lakes and Tugun
$1 billion for the M1 between Daisy Hill and Logan Motorway
$1 billion for the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Section D: Woondum to Curra
$932.2 million for the Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway
$750 million for the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill
$662.5 million for upgrading the Bruce Highway between Caboolture - Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way
$514.3 million for the Haughton River Floodplain upgrade on the Bruce Highway (Ayr - Townsville)
$481 million for the Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) project to duplicate the highway between Edmonton and Gordonvale
$400 million for the Ipswich Motorway upgrade from Rocklea to Darra
$359 million for the Cairns Ring Road between Cairns CBD and Smithfield
$350 million for the Mackay Port Access project (Mackay Ring Road Stage 2)
$301.3 million for the Bruce Highway Maroochydore Road interchange project
$244 million for the Centenary Bridge upgrade (Stage 1)
$230 million for the Townsville Ring Road (Stage 5) project
$225 million for the Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 5) at Foster Road
$200 million Queensland Government funding towards the Inland Freight Route (Charters Towers to Mungindi)
$164 million for the Smithfield Bypass linking McGregor Road and Cairns Western Arterial Road
$158 million to duplicate the Bruce Highway to four lanes through Parkhurst (Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade project)
$150 million for the Walkerston Bypass
$125 million for the Linkfield Road overpass upgrade
$123.7 million for the Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 4) between Kate Street and Aumuller Street
$120.4 million for the Mackay Northern Access upgrade on the Bruce Highway
$95 million for Riverway Drive (Stage 2), Allambie Lane to Dunlop Street
$80 million for the Sumners Road interchange
$80 million for upgrading sections of the Rockhampton - Yeppoon Road
$75 million for the Mount Lindesay Highway between Stoney Camp Road and Chambers Flat Road
$75 million for duplicating the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere
$60 million for Cairns Western Arterial Road (Redlynch Connector Road to Kamerunga Road) duplication
$53 million for Mount Lindesay Highway (Johanna Street to South Street)
$50 million for progressive sealing of the Kennedy Developmental Road (The Lynd - Hughenden)
$46.4 million for Stuart Drive (Townsville Connection Road) between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, Townsville
Key rail projects (including some investments jointly funded with the Australian Government) include:

More than $1 billion for the Rail Network Strategy package, including $255 million for the New Generation Rollingstock, European Train Control System fitment and $600 million for the Rollingstock Expansion Project
$709.9 million for the Gold Coast Light Rail (Stage 3)
$646 million for the European Train Control System Level 2 upgrades
$550.8 million for Stage 1 of the North Coast Line - Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade
$97.2 million for an upgrade of the Mayne Yard vehicle and pedestrian access
$95.1 million for the Loganlea Train Station relocation
$57.1 million to upgrade train stations between Fairfield and Salisbury

Other public transport infrastructure highlights (including some investments jointly funded with the Australian Government) include:

$72 million for the Northern Transitway
$34.1 million for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals (jointly funded with Redland City Council)
$30 million for Stage 1 of the Eastern Transitway
$30 million for the Beenleigh Train Station park 'n' ride
$21 million for the Greenbank park 'n' ride
$20 million for the Ferny Grove Train Station park 'n' ride
$17 million for the Coomera Train Station park 'n' ride
$14.5 million for the Salisbury Train Station park 'n' ride
$11.5 million for a new Chermside Bus Station southbound platform
$10.4 million for the Lawnton Train Station park 'n' ride
$10 million for the Mango Hill Train Station park 'n' ride

Significant active transport infrastructure projects (including some investments jointly funded with the Australian Government and local governments) include:

$23.8 million for the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway, as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
$22.5 million Queensland Government funding towards the extension of the Riverwalk from Mowbray Park to Captain Burke Park at Kangaroo Point
$19.1 million for the Bundaberg to Gin Gin rail trail between Bundaberg and Koolboo Road
$14.5 million for the Veloway 1 (V1) Cycleway at O'Keefe Street
$12.2 million for Stage 1 of the New England Highway Cycleway between Highfields and Toowoomba CBD
$10 million Queensland Government funding towards the South Brisbane bike network
$9 million in cycle network grants to the City of Gold Coast for various sections of the Gold Coast Oceanway
$6.5 million for the Beerburrum to Landsborough (Stage 1) cycleway between Beerwah and Glasshouse
$5.4 million for the North Brisbane Bikeway (Stage 4) between Rigby Street and Price Street
$4.5 million for active transport facilities on Noosa Parade between Munna Point Bridge and Garth Prowd Bridge
$4.5 million for a cycleway on Smith Street Connection Road between Olsen Avenue and Kumbari Avenue
$4 million for the V1 Cycleway on Logan Road between Levington Road and Kingston Road
Marine infrastructure projects include:

$23.6 million to implement the Spit Masterplan at Southport
$23.3 million for the Clump Point boat ramp at Mission Beach
$11.5 million for the Yarrabah Jetty
$9.1 million for dredging various navigation channels (Gold Coast)
$9 million towards channel deepening the Molongle Creek at Gumlu
$9 million for a boat ramp and floating walkway at Yorkeys Knob
$4.2 million for a two-lane boat ramp with a floating walkway at Casuarina Creek
$4 million for a barge ramp at Scarborough Boat Harbour

For more information on projects across Queensland, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au. 

ENDS

[Fares_Fair]

#QldPol state #budget 2020-21.
Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (#B2N) expenditure.
Total expenditure to 30/6/20 = $15.366m
Expenditure in 2020/21 = $38,884m

Nothing extra for stage 2 works. pic.twitter.com/MZHbQdSCcm

— 🄹🄴🄵🄵 🄰🄳🄳🄸🅂🄾🄽 (@Jeffrey_Addison) December 1, 2020

[Fares_Fair]

But there is good news, the North Coast Line Capacity Improvement Project is half finished.
8 passing loops being extended between Rockhampton and Townsville (4 are complete).
Remainder due to be done by mid-2021.

These works will allow freight trains up to 950m in length.
Current limit is 650m and the biggest choke point is between Beerburrum and Nambour.

Trouble is there is NO money in the budget for the freight work to address the passing loops from Landsborough to Nambour.

8 passing loop extensions.
Bridges must be all finished.
This is a great initiative to improve freight and allow 950m long freight trains.https://t.co/suYi5X1ip2

— 🄹🄴🄵🄵 🄰🄳🄳🄸🅂🄾🄽 (@Jeffrey_Addison) December 1, 2020

[Jonno]

Whilst the rest of the world has learnt to prioritise active/public transport QLD still massively investing in widening urban roads Massive fail against leading practice transport planning!' Long live congestion!!!

[Gazza]

But there is good news, the North Coast Line Capacity Improvement Project is half finished.
8 passing loops being extended between Rockhampton and Townsville (4 are complete).
Remainder due to be done by mid-2021.

These works will allow freight trains up to 950m in length.
Current limit is 650m and the biggest choke point is between Beerburrum and Nambour.

Trouble is there is NO money in the budget for the freight work to address the passing loops from Landsborough to Nambour.

Have there been passing loop extensions south of Rocky, or was this done in a previous project?

[Otto]

Just read a post from Nikki Boyde MP.

BREAKING: The Palaszczuk government is freezing public transport prices for 2021

[verbatim9]

^^That was a good move under the circumstances. Even though other States have increased fares they have put in place measures and discounts to encourage uptake.

[Cazza]

$11.5 million for a new Chermside Bus Station southbound platform

Anyone have any info on this? I would assume they mean the current inbound stop on Gympie Rd (https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Gympie+Rd+at+Chermside,+stop+37%2F38/@-27.3864068,153.0313244,175m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b91580e61c8eb53:0x52c1d00c95170067!8m2!3d-27.3863571!4d153.0311711)

If anything, the whole bus interchange needs to be completely rebuilt further north (outside the Grill'd/food court entrance - https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-27.3843557,153.0310298,175m/data=!3m1!1e3) to accommodate more and longer buses, as well as provide an easier connection into the (hopefully eventual) Northern Busway tunnel. There is so much more space there to massively improve bus capacity. The current set up is so cramped and buses struggle to manoeuvre around each other and fit into the limited number of bays available.

It will also provide a much more central location to the shopping centre itself (as well as all the restaurants, cinemas and night-time trip generators), not tucked away in the bottom corner of the site. Walking from the northern end to the bus station now can take a good 10 mins for an abled bodies person, I'd say it would be pushing 15 mins+ for people with mobility issues.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Queensland budget confirms rail manufacturing pipeline


RBoT gets a MID 

====

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1333972183970844672

[verbatim9]

$11.5 million for a new Chermside Bus Station southbound platform

Anyone have any info on this? I would assume they mean the current inbound stop on Gympie Rd (https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Gympie+Rd+at+Chermside,+stop+37%2F38/@-27.3864068,153.0313244,175m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b91580e61c8eb53:0x52c1d00c95170067!8m2!3d-27.3863571!4d153.0311711)

If anything, the whole bus interchange needs to be completely rebuilt further north (outside the Grill'd/food court entrance - https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-27.3843557,153.0310298,175m/data=!3m1!1e3) to accommodate more and longer buses, as well as provide an easier connection into the (hopefully eventual) Northern Busway tunnel. There is so much more space there to massively improve bus capacity. The current set up is so cramped and buses struggle to manoeuvre around each other and fit into the limited number of bays available.

It will also provide a much more central location to the shopping centre itself (as well as all the restaurants, cinemas and night-time trip generators), not tucked away in the bottom corner of the site. Walking from the northern end to the bus station now can take a good 10 mins for an abled bodies person, I'd say it would be pushing 15 mins+ for people with mobility issues.

This makes sense to reconfigure the bus station and build  the Southbound platform. Stop 37/38 and Stop 38 A will likely be closed, combined  and relocated to the new Southbound platform. This will allow easier transfers between services and decrease travel times due to decreased stopping patterns and dwell times.  I think this was also part of the Northern Transit way project.

[verbatim9]

I missed inbound buses frequently from there waiting for the pedestrian lights to change at Hamilton and Gympie Roads while seeing the inbound buses zoom away from the current Stop 37/38. Very frustrating this will hopefully alleviate this for many current and future computers. I hope that we can add quick submission to ensure stop 37l8A will be closed.  Just makes sense.