Draft infrastructure plan looks to private sector for solutions
The Draft State Infrastructure Plan released today by the Queensland Government is a positive first step towards reinstating certainty about future infrastructure investment in the State following several years without a meaningful plan, according to the Property Council of Australia.
Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council, Chris Mountford, said that the draft plan drives home the important role the private sector will need to play in delivering the infrastructure required to unlock growth and prosperity.
“While the draft plan gives some certainty about the infrastructure projects that will be delivered in the next 4 years, it also highlights the challenges we face in delivering the types of game-changing infrastructure projects needed in the longer-term,” Mr Mountford said.
“The Government’s efforts to balance the books and pay down debt without asset sales means that they can only commit to building the infrastructure the government can afford, rather than the infrastructure Queensland needs.
“There is only one answer to this infrastructure conundrum – innovation in the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Queensland.
“It is positive to see the Government recognise this with the draft plan in essence putting the call out to the private sector to come forward with ways to deliver the infrastructure needed into the future.
“Certainly the announcement of a market led proposals framework as part of the Budget was a welcome initiative that has the potential to increase the private sector’s involvement in the delivery of infrastructure.
“But we are also going to need to explore other innovative models if we are going to ensure we are able build the infrastructure our growing State needs.
“However we need to be careful that these innovations are not just new levies or taxes dressed up as something else. This distinction is particularly important in the context of funding models such as ‘value capture’ which is discussed in the draft plan.
“It is important to note that this is a draft plan, and that the government is looking for feedback.
“The Property Council will be looking to proactively and positively engage through this consultation period.
“Our focus will be on ensuring the final infrastructure plan dovetails effectively into the other long-term planning documents such as the South East Queensland Regional Plan.
“We will also be making the case for innovative approaches to planning and delivering infrastructure such as the successful “City Deals” model emanating from the United Kingdom”.