The South East Queensland Mayors (SEQ) has campaigned successfully for a fair chunk of infrastructure funding for their region.
The organisation responded positively to the Federal Budget handed down on May 3.
Major SEQ infrastructure priorities to get the green light in the Budget included the Ipswich Motorway – Darra to Rocklea Upgrade and the Pacific Motorway – Coomera Interchange.
The Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail corridor received a commitment of $594 million in equity funding.
The projects have been regional priorities for some time, and were heavily pushed during the Council of Mayors’ (SEQ) most recent Canberra delegation.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Graham Quirk said the residents and businesses of SEQ are big Budget winners.
“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has long pushed for strategic investment in our region, and the infrastructure that drives it, to deliver a strong and growing national economy. This Budget and the Turnbull Government’s Smart Cities agenda are big steps in the right direction.
“This year’s Budget and the recently released Smart Cities Plan pave the way for a real partnership between our region and all levels of government, particularly in the funding and delivery of major infrastructure.
“SEQ stands ready and willing to work with the Federal and State Governments to deliver the best, most productive infrastructure for our region in a cost effective and timely way,” said Mayor Quirk.
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) also welcomed confirmation of ongoing funding for a number of previously announced regional priorities including the Bruce Highway Upgrade, Gateway North Upgrade, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Moreton Bay Rail Link and Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2.
The Council of Mayors’ (SEQ) Federal advocacy document, A Shared Future: Collaborative Opportunities for South East Queensland, can be viewed at seqmayors.qld.gov.au.
