Moreton Bay Region to share in historic SEQ City Deal

Funding for growth Caboolture West and liveability across the Moreton Bay Region are major winners in the billion-dollar South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, announced today.

More than $255.5 million in funding will kickstart liveability projects across the Moreton Bay Region as well as enabling infrastructure for Caboolture West, plus the region will have access to more than $400 million in funding pools through the deal.

The $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Federal Government, State Government and 11 Councils which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ),

It 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 – South East Queensland.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway says the significant investment highlighted the important role Moreton Bay and South East Queensland would play in the future prosperity of Queensland and Australia.

“All three levels of Government are working together to ensure Moreton Bay remains an affordable and thriving place to live, work and play for current and future residents,” Cr Shipway says.

“The $210 million Growth Area Compact investment for Caboolture West will support the development of this exciting new residential area and will ensure the region continues to provide affordable options for people who want to experience our sought-after lifestyle.

“Enhancing our region’s liveability is also a Deal priority with a $45.53 million investment community infrastructure that could include sporting facilities that will help provide our region’s youngest residents a running start to 2032.”

Cr Shipway says the region will also benefit from more than $400 million in funding aimed at creating new jobs, supporting emerging industries, enhancing local environment and boosting innovation and connectivity across South East Queensland.

“We know growth is a huge issue and the deal will invest $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure and land use planning needed to keep pace with our extraordinary population growth. This will enable better investment by all tiers of government and industry towards things like transport and services,” she says.

“It also includes more than $105 million to improve the region’s waste infrastructure, building on the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Management Plan and furthering the southeast’s transformation towards a cleaner, more sustainable region.

“Our local rivers, waterways and bay will also receive a needed boost with an additional $40 million over the next 5 years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve their overall health and resilience through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers Initiative.”

Focus on South East Queensland

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the SEQ City Deal is about delivering for the people of South East Queensland.

“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,” Prime Minister Morrison says.

“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 2000 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 says co-operation between all levels of government will 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,” Premier Palaszczuk says.

“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.”

Key projects in the City Deal include:

• $450 million for the Gabba Brisbane Metro Station, to deliver enhanced transport connections and support the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games;

• $285 million for the SEQ Liveability Fund to deliver projects of social and economic priority for the councils;

• $150 million for the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund to support capital projects that promote and grow the region’s innovation economy;

• $105 million for resource recovery infrastructure to develop a region-wide approach to managing waste and progress the region to a circular economy;

• $70 million for digital connectivity projects to support place-based telecommunications infrastructure and improved digital connectivity.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner says the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the southeast corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decade’s time.

“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,” Cr Schrinner says.

“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.”

For more information on the SEQ City Deal visit www.seqmayors.qld.gov.au