The SEQ Liveability fund will receive $285 million for social and economic priority projects for the councils, $150 million will go towards the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund to support capital projects that promote and grow the region’s innovation economy. In comparison, $105 million will go to resource recovery infrastructure for managing waste and “progress the region to a circular economy”, and $70 million for digital connectivity projects to support place-based telecommunications infrastructure and improved digital connectivity.
A further $190.2 million will be allocated towards the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge in Brisbane. In comparison, $210 million will go towards infrastructure in the Moreton Bay Region’s Caboolture West, which is expected to be home to a population boom of 70,000 in the coming years.
About $45 million will go to infrastructure in Loganlea and Meadowbrook, $41 million for the Dunwich Ferry Terminal upgrade in Redlands, $40 million for the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct in Toowoomba, and $25 million for the Toowoomba Railway Parklands.
Wetlands will be installed for flood management at Blue Heart Sunshine Coast for over $35 million.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the proper infrastructure in place as the population grows.
“I have always said we work best when we work together.”
“The winners are Queenslanders.”
The National Retail Association welcomed the announcement, saying the infrastructure boost will help restore the COVID-impacted retail and hospitality industry.
“South East Queensland’s (SEQ) retail and hospitality sector is struggling to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and more recently the floods. Therefore, the National Retail Association positively welcomes the announcement of the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal,” said NRA CEO Dominique Lamb.
“Our focus on sustainability and digital innovation as pillars for growth in the industry will be met with the City Deal’s commitment of $105 million in resource recovery infrastructure and $70 million in digital connectivity, and we anticipate the generation of more than 2,000 jobs.
“A strong economy relies on confident consumers and a skilled workforce, and by investing in the infrastructure for both we are ensuring that SEQ will be prepared for 2032 Olympics.
“We look forward to working with both government and industry to get South East Queensland ready for the Olympics.”