Expanding infrastructure
Exceptional infrastructure program
With a strong vision for the future, Brisbane is embracing change with major developments occurring in both the public and private arenas. These vital investments in critical infrastructure are changing the city landscape in new and exciting ways. With a long-term commitment to infrastructure delivery, the Queensland Infrastructure Plan identifies approximately $134 billion (AUD) worth of infrastructure investment for Brisbane and the surrounding region. Designed to manage ongoing growth, the program represents the largest public infrastructure spending initiative in Australian history. Brisbane City Council’s TransApex initiative – which has already seen the construction of Australia’s longest road tunnel and a new four-lane inner-city toll bridge – is the biggest urban road project ever proposed in Australia. Including the large investments being made by the public sector, there are currently $142 billion (AUD) of resource projects planned across Queensland.
Building for the future
In 2010/11 Brisbane City Council committed $1.016 billion (AUD) towards new infrastructure investment, while the Queensland Government is investing $17.1 billion (AUD) – double the average of other Australian states. Brisbane City Council has long stood out for its use of innovative funding approaches for large-scale infrastructure. Uniting public and private expertise and their balance sheet capabilities is a new world approach to infrastructure delivery, and exemplifies Brisbane’s focus on project outcomes. Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government have remained committed to major investment in infrastructure to accommodate economic growth and support local businesses. These high public capital funding levels will continue to benefit Brisbane’s current and future economic performance.
Brisbane Airport
The Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) close ties with Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol – one of the world’s most modern and efficient airports – helps ensure world-class standards in an airport globally recognised as one of the best. Between 2002 and 2011 more than $1 billion (AUD) has been invested by the BAC in aeronautical and non-aeronautical infrastructure including terminal and apron expansions, major new road systems, car parks and other essential infrastructure for the region. Future infrastructure investment includes the construction of a $1.3 billion new parallel runway in 2012, which will ensure the Brisbane and Queensland economy can meet its economic growth targets.
Port of Brisbane
With leading-edge cargo handling and warehousing facilities, the Port of Brisbane is a key infrastructure asset for the city. The Port of Brisbane has recently recorded container throughput of over 1 million containers coupled with a compound annual growth rate of 8%. Over the past 20 years over $1.3 billion (AUD) has been invested in the Port of Brisbane infrastructure and assets with a further $950 million (AUD) budgeted to spend on infrastructure in the next five years.
Rail in Queensland
Covering 9,400 kilometres, Queensland is home to one of Australia’s largest and most modern rail networks. Approximately 20 per cent of the network is electrified and a standard gauge line track provides a direct link between the Port of Brisbane and other Australian states.
QR National provides a number of freight and logistics services throughout the State – freight consolidation and distribution, materials handling solutions for difficult freight, warehousing, on-shipment, delivery to retail outlets and repacking from bulk to smaller loads. With freight tonnages of 260 million tonnes recorded during the 2009/10 financial year, QR National is one of Australia’s largest freight transport companies.
