Australia: “Ai Group welcomes new initiatives by the Queensland government to channel investments into infrastructure projects and skills development,” Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said.

“The plans outlined in the Connecting SEQ 2031: A South East Queensland Integrated Regional Transport Plan (IRTP), are important for the long-term interests of the $224 billion Queensland economy.

“Queensland businesses, whether they are in the construction sector or in the supply chain, stand to benefit significantly from this proposed pipeline of investment.

“We’ve seen rapid population growth in recent years and if this is to be sustained the implementation of a clear strategic plan is critical.

“The 207 kilometres of new railway line in SEQ, proposed in the rail part of the IRTP, will not only create jobs and opportunities for Queensland industry, the extra capacity from congestion-busting rail projects is vital to boosting productivity and keeping SEQ moving. We are also very encouraged by the proposed ‘ring road’ system which will also significantly improve the current transport network.

“While these proposed infrastructure projects are welcomed it’s absolutely critical that they are matched with real funding commitments.

“Funding such a visionary blueprint is only feasible if both the Government and the Opposition continue down the path of asset privatisation.

“If the current asset sales process falters then the State’s capacity to invest in these critical projects will also be severely constrained for years to come.

“In recent times SEQ has been home to the largest regional infrastructure program in Australia but with this comes challenges. Skills shortages are again looming and must be addressed, especially as the resources sector starts to kick-on again.

“QR National’s new trade mentoring program, announced earlier this week, is an important step in enhancing Queensland’s skill base and will go some way to ensuring we have the skilled labour necessary to deliver future infrastructure projects, ” Mr Martyn-Jones said.

Source: http://www.aigroup.com.au/