Building Queensland legislation passes

Building Queensland legislation passesThe Building Queensland Bill 2015 was passed by the State Parliament last Tuesday. Although already in operation as an entity within the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Building Queensland will now be formally established as an independent statutory body when the Act is proclaimed.Building Queensland, a pre-election commitment of the new Queensland Government, will provide independent expert advice to Government about infrastructure in Queensland. The independent body will be required to: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, andpublish information and promote public awareness.The Property Council has welcomed the establishment of Building Queensland as a means to determine the priority of infrastructure projects based on a rigorous cost-benefit analysis rather than political motivation.David Quinn, the former head of Projects Queensland, has been appointed as the inaugural Building Queensland CEO. The Board has also now been appointed following a public process as comprises:Mr Alan Millhouse (Chair)Mr James McKenzieMr Graham HooperProfessor Catherin BullMs Jacqui WaltersMr Jim Murphy, Queensland Under TreasurerFrankie Carroll, Director-General, Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and PlanningDave Stewart, Director-General of the Premier and Cabinet