Ministerial Statement: Newman Government establishes new body ...

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls
30/06/2012

Newman Government establishes new body to improve infrastructure outcomes

A NEW standalone unit aimed at fostering investment partnerships that deliver positive infrastructure outcomes has been set up in the Department of Treasury and Trade.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls today announced the establishment of Projects Queensland, a body which will focus on driving cooperative funding models that maximise private investment.

Mr Nicholls said Projects Queensland would ensure major projects were built on time and to budget.

"Establishing a body that delivers value for money from state infrastructure programs was a key commitment in the Newman Government's 100 Day Action Plan," Mr Nicholls said.

"Projects Queensland will focus on service delivery, encouraging innovative private investment in a pipeline of new projects and reducing costs and red tape."

Projects Queensland's key responsibilities will be:

• Preparation, evaluation and management of public-private partnership projects;
• Active engagem ent with the private sector to develop funding models to encourage private investment in infrastructure;
• Preparation of business cases and contract negotiations for government financed infrastructure where the expected cost is greater than $100 million;
• Acting in an advisory role assisting line agencies in the delivery of projects with an estimated capital cost below $100 million; and
• Review and maintenance of the government's key infrastructure policies

The Treasurer and Cabinet approved the creation of Projects Queensland in early June.

Mr Nicholls welcomed the appointment of former Director General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads Dave Stewart as interim head of Projects Queensland. He will start work on July 16 for a period of up to six months.

"His key responsibilities will include developing the strategic direction for Projects Queensland, updating infrastructure policy frameworks, and engaging wi th key stakeholders," Mr Nicholls said.

"Mr Stewart will also play a key role in appointing a permanent head of Projects Queensland.

"Along with other activities completed in the first 100 days, Projects Queensland is part of our commitment to delivering better infrastructure and planning and cutting government waste by finishing projects on time and on budget."

[ENDS] 30 June 2012

[Stillwater]

Does this mean that Nambour duplication is placed back on the agenda, a project that could be achieved in partnership with the federal government?

[SurfRail]

^ I'd say that would be Infrastructure Queensland's role.  This body would be more about delivery rather than prioritisation.

[haakon]

Does this mean that Nambour duplication is placed back on the agenda, a project that could be achieved in partnership with the federal government?

Only if someone can put a toll on it.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Eagles has landed in planning shakeup

[ozbob]

Not particularly cheered with the composition.  Former DG TMR is a key member.  TMR have been largely responsible in part for the failing transport policy in my opinion.  We can all but hope a real future is driven from this point.