Building Queensland Bill introduced to Parliament
The Honourable Jackie Trad MP, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and Minister for Trade, introduced the Building Queensland Bill 2015 (the Bill) to Parliament on the 19th of May.
The introduction of the Bill follows the Deputy Premier’s address at the recent Property Council breakfast, where she announced the establishment of Building Queensland. The Bill provides the head of power for the commencement of the new independent statutory advisory body.
Building Queensland is currently in operation under the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. David Quinn, the former head of Projects Queensland, has been appointed as the interim CEO, and a public process for the appointment of the board is currently underway. Applications for the board positions close 25 May.
Building Queensland will provide independent expert advice to Government about infrastructure in Queensland:
· develop a robust and transparent framework for assessing infrastructure projects,
· evaluate proposals for new and existing infrastructure,
· assist or lead the preparation of certain business cases for infrastructure proposals,
· prepare an infrastructure priority pipeline document,
· lead the procurement and delivery of projects only when directed to do so by the Minister, and
· publish information and promote public awareness.
During the 2015 State election the Labor party announced its intention to create Building Queensland. The Property Council is keen to ensure that Building Queensland looks beyond cost-benefit analysis in prioritising infrastructure, and extends its view to infrastructure as an ‘investment’, looking at the broader economic returns the Government receives from delivering the right infrastructure in the right place.
The Bill has been referred to the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee for review, you can view the Bill by clicking here.