A LOCAL government collaborative approach to planning across South East Queensland has led to the announcement of $1.8 billion in pool funding from local, state and federal governments.
And Logan City Council couldn’t be more excited.
The “City Deal” was signed early last week and offers the Logan region a number of benefits, including road upgrades, public transport improvements and a regional approach to waste management.
Initially, $73.46 million will be released for infrastructure projects, including $46 million towards better transport connections into the Meadowbrook health precinct.
Logan Hospital’s expansion would continue, and the Loganlea train station would be moved.
An extra $400 million in regional funding will come later.
Mayor Darren Power says it’s a sign that Logan is being noticed as an important contributor to the South East Queensland economy.
“Logan City Council was the first local government to formally approve our SEQ City Deal commitments, recognising the benefits coordinated investment would give our rapidly growing city,” he said.
Local governments will collectively contribute more than $500 million to the $1.8 billion fund.
“The investment in a business case for the Southern Gateway Corridor will be the critical first step in opening the next section of employment land in the city, ensuring our region remains the best place to invest.”
Community infrastructure – pools, libraries, performing arts centres and sports centres – would receive a $32.46 million injection.
While there are regional benefits, $450 million of the money will be slated for the Gabba Brisbane Metro Station, to deliver enhanced transport connections and support the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Logan is yet to benefit from Olympic infrastructure plans, but Cr Power said the city would continue to push a case to unlock Olympic potential.
Cr Power has also promised to push for additional infrastructure funding in this week’s federal budget.
A $150 million Innovation Economy Fund and $40 million Local Digital Priority Projects will be other key funding pools for Logan.
The SEQ City Deal also includes:
• $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure and land-use planning needed to keep pace with population growth;
• $2.1 million to improve transport and freight route planning and to identify priorities for infrastructure investment to increase service reliability and safety along critical routes such as the Mt Lindesay Highway;
• $40 million over the next five years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve the overall health and resilience of local rivers and waterways through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers initiative.
The SEQ City Deal provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure.
