Qld Infrastructure Project Landscape
With State and Local elections looming, the question of funding for some of the region’s infrastructure projects is front and foremost. We take a look at a selection of the projects to see how they are tracking and when they are likely to come on stream.
Cross River Rail
Project Value: $5.4 billion
Funded by: 100% State Government funded
Even though there has been one or two speed bumps for this project it seems to picking up pace. Early works and demolition is underway and teams are now in place to deliver both RIS and TSD packages. With much of the project cost centring around the tunnelling works there will always be a slight question mark around funding commitments until this project is well and truly in the ground and beyond the point of no return.
Brisbane Metro
Value: $944 Million
Funded by: $644 million is to be funded by the Local Government and $300m to be injected by the Federal Government.
At one stage this landmark project looked as if it might have fallen over, or certainly delayed, due to funding issues. That was until the Federal Government committed $300m to the project. With 3 teams having now been shortlisted and tender designs submitted we are expecting project award at Easter this year. Current lord mayor Adrian Schrinner has confirmed he will deliver Brisbane Metro if he is re-elected, however there may be some more political posturing before this one hits its straps.
Gold Coast Light Rail – Part 3a
Value: $709 million
Funded by: $269 million has been pledged by the Australian Federal Government, $91.5 million is to be injected by the City of the Gold Coast, and the remaining balance will be committed by the State Government.
Currently midway through a 12-week tender design process. This project has suffered a few delays to get to get it to this point but the teams involved in the Tender Design process are confident this one will go ahead. Funding is a little complicated and there are one or two raised eyebrows around it being a D&C but this one should happen.
Beerburrum to Nambour
Value: $550 Million
Funded by: $390 million is to be included from federal funding and the remaining $160 million is to come from the State Government.
At the current point and time, the B2N project is in the pre-construction stage and discussions with the Australian Government are ongoing regarding the funding of the future stages. Industry is confident they one will move forward especially as it’s on the Priority list but this one may take some time to become reality.
Coomera Connector
Value: The labour government had previously estimated that the Coomera Connector would cost $2.4 billion to complete, whereas the LNP believed that it could be completed for much less at $500 million.
Funded by: The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, $20 million is currently committed for planning studies.
With this project dubbed as the second M1 there was some dismay that this project had been left off of the 2020 Infrastructure priority list in February. An award for the reference design and business case planning is imminent. Government approval will be required before detailed design and construction commences. This one could have a long lead in time.
North-West Transport Corridor
Value: Currently estimated at $20 million
Funded by: 50/50 split between Local Government and the Federal government.
Arup were recently chosen to deliver the business case for this one and provide options to improve congestion and road safety between Everton Park and Strathpine using multi modal solutions. The delivery of the business case will determine the next stages.
In our next article we give some insights into the following projects as well as giving an overview of the resources sector in Queensland.
- Inland Rail PPP
- Townsville Ring Road Stage 5
- Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra Section D
- M1 Pacific Motorway