Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad said the additional funding boosted the government’s investment into the Fund to a total of $2 billion, and would drive key initiatives including $50 million to establish the new Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and commence early works and $180 million to bring forward social and economic projects in regional communities.

“Building on our ongoing capital program of $40.8 billion over four years our State Infrastructure Fund, with this initial investment of $2 billion, will continue our momentum to deliver our State Infrastructure Plan and the projects we know Queensland needs now,” Trad said.

“This significant new investment is about setting aside funding for projects to be identified by our independent infrastructure advisor, Building Queensland, as well as ensuring we can bring forward projects that will create jobs, economic growth and investor confidence across our state, especially in our regional communities.

“In particular, I’m pleased to announce more than 25 projects in regional Queensland have been allocated funding through the State Infrastructure Fund’s $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program (SRIPP), which is expected to support more than 280 regional jobs.

“Through the SRIPP, our government is fast-tracking key economic and social infrastructure projects in regional centres right across Queensland, which will increase business confidence, particularly in the downturn of the mining construction boom.

“We know investment in infrastructure is essential for healthy regional economies. Through these projects, our government will ensure local residents are employed wherever possible.”