Call for collaboration on infrastructure pipeline

A long-term, collaborative approach to planning is needed to ensure that Queensland’s current and future infrastructure needs are met, according to the Queensland Major Contractors Association. QMCA president Peter Anusas made the call during the release of the 2018 Queensland Major Projects Report, which details a project pipeline of $39.9 billion over five years. The report is prepared by the QMCA, Construction Skills Queensland and the Infrastructure Association of Queensland. The report’s key finding is that major project work has risen by 58 per cent in 2017-18 to $6.9 billion after two successive years of low activity. Subject to funding commitments for 22 credibly proposed projects, activity in 2018-19 is forecast to be retained at a similar level. However, recovery may be short-lived due to an identified lack of viable replacement projects. Northern Queensland was shown to have the strongest growth prospects in the pipeline for all regions (including funded and unfunded work) compared to the past five years. Apart from minerals development, the region was benefiting from measures to boost regional economic growth through infrastructure investment including upgrades to the Bruce Highway and the Cape York regional package, the report found. Northern Queensland is also at the forefront of a large round of renewable energy investment. Mr Anusas said long-term planning would ensure that the major projects drove the future prosperity of the state. “This year’s report highlights that contractors, government, training providers and the private sector must take a more collaborative approach to building the state,” he said. “More than any other industry, the construction sector feels the pain of boom and bust and in order to ensure that we have the capacity, skills, people and talent to be able to meet the needs of projects, we require greater certainty about when, where and how projects will be funded and delivered. “In Queensland, we currently have projects in the pipeline worth about $40 billion, however the stark reality is that 98 of those projects are awaiting funding commitments and 17 per cent are unlikely to proceed.” Mr Anusas said collaboration was the key to ensuring major projects were delivered. “By working together, all stakeholders can ensure that Queensland has the infrastructure it needs, when it needs it, at a cost it can afford,” he said. QMCA chief executive officer Jon Davies said the first step in improving collaboration would be a summit to be held later in the year. “Our first action is to announce the launch of the Collaborate to Innovate Construction Summit,” Mr Davies said. “The summit (is to allow) senior industry stakeholders to identify opportunities for improved collaboration across the lifespan of major projects that will provide a platform for greater innovation and improved productivity in project delivery.” Read the full report HERE

Call for collaboration on infrastructure pipeline

Industry Queensland

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