The Property Council of Australia today congratulated the State Government and Brisbane City Council on finally taking seriously the property industry’s concerns over the state’s ailing infrastructure.
The Property Council’s comments came after it was announced today that both levels of governments would be joining forces to give the green light to the North South Bypass Tunnel business case.
Property Council Queensland executive director Robert Walker said that it was encouraging to see governments at both a local and state level starting to take seriously industry concerns.
“The decision by the Sate to work with Brisbane City Council is warmly welcomed,” Mr Walker said.
“With the announcement of the Gateway duplication just over a week ago, Brisbane will now have two new major river crossings in a relatively short period of time.
In a joint announcement at City Hall today, Premier Peter Beattie also backed feasibility planning for a project tightly related to the tunnel: the Airport Link tunnel (Stage 2 of TransApex).
Mr Beattie and Councillor Newman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing for the Queensland Government to make legislative changes including tolling powers, traffic management, and powers to acquire land (including underground land).
Mr Walker said that it was a positive sign that government was also looking internally to fund the project, with Queensland Treasury Corporation providing a loan to council of up $450 million.
“Industry has been telling government of the benefits of state funding to deliver much-needed infrastructure for southeast Queensland and we are pleased that is listening to our concerns.
“But we do need to do more and the infrastructure plan due out in April is a key to sustaining southeast Queensland’s growth.”
For more information, please contact:
Robert Walker, Executive Director, Property Council of Australia, 0417 072 197
Nikki Schultz, Communications Manager, Property Council of Australia, 07 3225 3000
