The Queensland Government has released the ‘Future Infrastructure: Private Investment’ discussion paper, to incentivise private bodies to invest in state infrastructure needs.
The paper outlines and clarifies the ways in which the Queensland Government plans to support the private sector with respect to the investment into public state infrastructure projects.
With the release of the paper, comes the acknowledgement that the continued economic growth of Queensland requires collective and collaborative investment in priority areas alongside the private sector.
Elaborating on the paper, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles, spoke at the Australian Financial Review’s National Infrastructure Summit, on the release of the discussion paper and how it aims to provide the industry with greater clarity in infrastructure investment opportunities in Queensland.
“We’re committed to encouraging more private sector investment to work with the Government in shaping Queensland’s future,” Miles said.
“The release of the ‘Future Infrastructure: Private Investment’ discussion paper, signals our intent to do this, and tells the private sector that Queensland is the place to invest.”
The Government reinforces the commitment to investing in and owning, key public infrastructure through the release of this paper.
“There is no doubt that investment in infrastructure unlocks, catalyses and supercharges growth in industries and in the liveability of our communities for generations to come,” Miles said.
“Our continued economic growth requires collective and collaborative investment in priority areas alongside the private sector and this discussion paper provides a blueprint of the State’s infrastructure investment priorities and the extraordinary opportunities that exist for a collaborative approach to delivery for Queensland.”
In addition to creating opportunities for private stakeholders, the Government has also enabled long term growth opportunities such as decarbonisation, the continuing development of a circular economy, and better and more reliable connectivity in state regions through giving clear ways in which private companies can contribute to projects.
“We are already on our way to becoming a global leader in renewable energy as worldwide energy use changes and countries demand more sustainable and low emissions products and supply chains,” Miles said.
“Our circular economy approach is driven by our goal to be zero-waste by 2050, ensuring a sustainable system of reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.
“For all of Queensland to thrive we need faster, more reliable digital infrastructure, capable of providing contemporary services across the state, including to our remote and First Nations communities.”
The discussion paper provides a platform for targeted industry engagement with expressions of interest open to be involved in this engagement in early 2023.
The Queensland Government aims to continually develop infrastructure investment opportunities along with a better understanding of potential barriers to investment and how the Government can better apply existing levers to achieve greater infrastructure investment.
“By being clear on our priorities and working closely with industry, we can better identify where and how these partnerships can deliver Queensland’s future infrastructure,” Miles said.
“As our population grows, so too does the need to cater for that growth, with liveable communities always at the centre of our decision-making and planning.”