Deputy Premier s Address

Deputy Premier’s AddressThe Deputy Premier, Hon. Jackie Trad MP, addressed the Property Council on Thursday 9 March, providing a wide-ranging update on the Government’s agenda for infrastructure, planning and transport. Since her last address to the Property Council, initiatives such as the release of the draft SEQ Regional Plan, the Planning Act and State Infrastructure Plan have all been delivered. In outlining the Government’s approach to the SEQ Regional Plan, the Deputy Premier thanked the Property Council for its extensive contribution in providing the industry’s perspective throughout the consultation process. The Deputy Premier outlined that SEQ “growth is inevitable and desirable” but the outstanding question was how it would be accommodated. The Government’s focus on infill development and addressing the ‘missing middle’ were reiterated. In shifting to her infrastructure portfolio, the Deputy Premier highlighted the many and varied benefits of the Cross River Rail project, including unlocking development opportunity around station nodes. The Deputy Premier declared that “we will be the Government that delivers Cross River Rail.” The Deputy Premier explained that the Townsville City Deal, signed at the end of last year, is just the beginning of the Government’s City Deal agenda. Work is currently underway, in conjunction with the SEQ Council of Mayors and the Property Council, to develop a framework for the delivery of a SEQ City Deal. The Deputy Premier described the development as a “move from a region of cities to a City Region.” In response to the Property Council’s call for an independent Housing Supply Council to monitor and report on the SEQ Regional Plan targets, the Deputy Premier acknowledged the proposal’s merits but will seek to consult with local governments on the proposal as the SEQ Regional Plan is finalised. The Deputy Premier committed to pursuing the strategic region-wide assessment of environmental considerations, but described the policy as a long-term goal. On the vexed issue of value capture, the Deputy Premier said the State was waiting on the release of the Federal Government’s “Using Value Capture to Help Deliver Major Land Transport Infrastructure: Roles for the Australian Government” paper, before determining how a value capture model could be used to supplement funding for the Cross River Rail project. The Property Council would like to thank the Deputy Premier for taking the time to address its members, and supporting sponsor Arkhefield for their support of this event. Photos of the breakfast can be found here.Supporting Sponsor: