An idea generated by the then Mayors of South East Queensland in 2014 came into being in March, when the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) signed the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.
The SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and 11 Councils which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ) which provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure.
The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant package of investments that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
The City Deal is supported by a $667.77 million investment from the Commonwealth, $618.78 million from the state and $501.62 million from the Council of Mayors (SEQ), plus $75 million from industry.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the SEQ City Deal was all about delivering for the people of South East Queensland.
“This is a partnership for Queensland jobs and Queensland investment to deliver a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and with the population expected to continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come.
“From Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between, this Deal delivers for South East Queenslanders.
“We all share a vision of a more connected, liveable and export-competitive region, and this brings that vision to life.
“The economic impact of this major investment will be significant, with more than 30 projects set to generate more than 2,000 jobs, while ensuring that the state is in the best position possible to host a successful 2032 Olympics.”
Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.
“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.
“The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population.
“That includes new transport links for the Gabba in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “The winners are Queenslanders.”
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time.
“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important.
“SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.
“We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come.
“This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”
City Deals are an approach to bring together the three levels of government, the community and the private sector.
This partnership focuses on aligning planning, investment and governance to accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reforms to secure the future prosperity and liveability of the region.
