Qld 2024-25 State Budget: $107B infrastructure investment

The Queensland Government has released the 2024-25 State Budget, which includes a record $107 billion allocated to capital works over the next four years.  

The Queensland Government’s transformational Big Build is looking to continue to deliver the infrastructure needed to support the growing state; creating new industries, more jobs, better communities and stronger regions. 

Priorities include decarbonising Queensland’s energy system, expanding health capacity and getting ready for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games.  

In 2024-25, the government’s $27.1 billion capital program is set to directly support around 72,000 jobs across the state, with 50,000, or 69 per cent, of these jobs located outside of the Greater Brisbane region. 

Over the 13 years to 2027-28, the government will have supported over $225 billion in infrastructure works. 

Critical transport infrastructure 

The strong growth in Queensland’s population and the geographical size and vastness of Queensland means that a strong transport network is vital to connect and support its communities and industries. 

Key regional transport projects supported by the 2024-25 Budget include: 

• The construction of a new 37.8km Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line between Beerwah and Maroochydore, the longest spur line ever delivered in South East Queensland. Stage 1 will be a 19km dual track connecting Beerwah to Caloundra. At a total commitment of $5.5 billion (split 50:50 with the Federal Government), construction is expected to commence in 2026, and delivered by 2032. Future stages will connect Caloundra with Birtinya and Maroochydore. 
• Construction of the Coomera Connector (Stage 1), Coomera to Nerang will reduce pressure on the M1 by providing an alternative route for the growing communities and commercial hubs of Helensvale and Coomera. At a total cost of $3 billion (jointly funded with the Federal Government), the 16km Stage 1 is expected to progressively open to traffic in late 2025. 
• The ongoing Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, which includes total budgets of $1.7 billion to construct the Rockhampton Ring Road, $1 billion to construct Cooroy to Curra (Section D), $948 million for the upgrade between the Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road (Stage 1), and $336 million towards a bypass of Tiaro to increase the flood immunity, safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway 
• Construction of Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail, from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, will connect to the existing Gold Coast Light Rail, providing eight additional stations, at a total estimated cost of $1.2 billion (jointly funding with the Federal Government and Gold Coast City Council). 
• Committing $5.75 billion (split 50:50 with the Federal Government) for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (Kuraby to Beenleigh) upgrade, with a plan to increase the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four tracks, with modernised rail systems, station upgrades and level crossing removals along this 20km corridor. 

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) is a four-year program, released annually, outlining current and planning investments in transport infrastructure. QTRIP spans road, rail, bus, cycling and marine infrastructure on freight, commuter and recreational networks. The program of works detailed in QTRIP represents a $37.4 billion investment over the four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28.