Record $37.4bn QLD Transport & Roads Investment Program to supprt 28000 jobs

The Queensland Government’s recently announced 2024-25 State Budget highlighted a massive $107.262 billion infrastructure investment, including a record $37.4 billion towards the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2024-25 to 2027-28. 

This four-year program aims to deliver transport infrastructure projects with a focus on safety, reliability, resilience, accessibility and regional connectivity. 

Majority of these projects – with a total investment of $21.19 billion – will be delivered outside Brisbane while $11.5 billion will be spent around the State, including on road safety and maintenance. 

“Queensland has the biggest road network on any state in Australia, and now we have the biggest ever road and transport investment in the state’s history. 

“This isn’t just about building roads and rail – it's about creating jobs in every community across the state. 

“In my community in Moreton Bay, we have big upgrades to the Bruce Highway on their way. 

“And with Cross River Rail on the horizon, there will be even better connections from Brisbane’s north to the city and the southside. 

“My government is doing what matters to keep Queensland moving,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

Major investments under the 2024-25 to 2027-28 QTRIP include: 

• $3.026 billion Coomera Connector (Stage 1), Coomera to Nerang 
• $1.5 billion Pacific Motorway, Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) to Tugun (Exit 95) upgrade – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $1.892 billion in road safety infrastructure, funded by the Camera Detected Offence Program 
• $5.23 billion in maintenance of roads, passenger transport, maritime and cycling infrastructure assets 
• $1 billion Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River upgrade – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $948 million Bruce Highway (Brisbane – Gympie), Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road upgrade (Stage 1) – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $733 million funding commitment for Bruce Highway (Brisbane – Gympie), Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road upgrade – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $290 million Bruce Highway (Brisbane – Gympie), Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue upgrade (Stage 1) – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $5.75 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $5.5 billion funding commitment for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Stage 1) – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $1.318 billion European Train Control Systems Signalling Program: Phase 1 (Pilot line, Tunnel, and Sector 1 to Moorooka) 
• $1.004 billion Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1) – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $3 billion funding commitment for Bruce Highway, Queensland Government. Queensland Government $250 million per annum contribution towards joint investments on the Bruce Highway from 2027-28 to 2038-39 
• $1 billion funding commitment for Inland Freight Route (Charters Towers to Mungindi) – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $250 million funding commitment for Bruce Highway, Gladstone to Rockhampton – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $182 million funding commitment for Outback Way Queensland Future Priorities – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $131.3 million Peninsula Developmental Road (Coen – Weipa), Archer River Crossing, construct bridge – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $96 million Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), improve safety 
• $52.4 million Gore Highway (Millmerran – Goondiwindi), Wyaga Creek, upgrade floodway – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• $30 million Flinders Highway (Richmond – Julia Creek), Alick Creek, upgrade floodway and install major culvert – jointly funded with the Australian Government 
• New $100 million Local Congestion Busting Program 
• New $100 million Productivity Enhancement Program 

“We’re investing to get you home sooner, to get you there safer and to keep you moving – your way. 

“This QTRIP is a responsible, sustainable investment program that ensures we can continue to deliver on Queensland’s top transport priorities. 

“We all know the market is tough – inflation is creating significant challenges for projects all over the country. 

“This is a value-for-money QTRIP, with a big focus on where it matters – safety, reliability, resilience, accessibility and regional connectivity,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

This record transport big build budget will deliver the infrastructure that matters most to Queensland, focusing in providing the State with a steady uplift in road, rail and public transport infrastructure that offers value-for-money and maintains pace with growth. 

This massive transport infrastructure spend is estimated to support 28,000 jobs across Queensland over the life of the program. 

“This budget remains squarely focused on bettering the lives of Queenslanders. 

“We’ve been responsible in our funding amidst significant cost pressure across our transport projects, but we haven’t backed away from investing in projects to keep the state running and keep the state growing. 

“And while we acknowledge the challenging market conditions, we’re not going to shy away from making the right decisions for Queensland’s future,” Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2)