AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES (AI) has welcomed a new blueprint organised by the Queensland Government, that channel investments infrastructure projects and skills development.
"Ai Group welcomes new initiatives by the Queensland Government to channel investments into infrastructure projects and skills development," said Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones.
In the plans outlined in the Connecting SEQ 2031 a South East Queensland Integrated Regional Transport Plan (IRTP), which are important for the long-term interests of the $224 billion Queensland economy, said Mr Martyn-Jones.
Mr Martyn-Jones also said that this new initiative by the Queensland Government will ensure that construction sector or supply chain businesses will benefit from the investments.
Mr Martyn-Jones also stated that the extra 207 Kilometres of new railway lines that are proposed in the IRTP is vital to boosting productivity and keeping SEQ (South East Queensland) moving, allowing for more job opportunities and extra capacity for congestion busting rail projects.
"While these proposed infrastructure projects are welcomed it’s absolutely critical that they are matched with real funding commitments, added Mr Martyn-Jones.
"Funding such a visionary blueprint is only feasible if both the Government and the Opposition continue down the path of asset privatisation.”
Mr Martyn-Jones said that SEQ has been home to the largest regional infrastructure program in Australia, this comes challenges. Skills shortages are looming and must be addressed, especially as the resources sector starts to kick-on again.