Strong work flow in Qld major project pipeline

Queensland's major project pipeline for the next five years has swelled to $71.3 billion of works, a $9.4 billion lift on last year's outlook, a new report shows. The Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report released by Queensland Major Contractors Association and Construction Skills Queensland evaluates the current market outlook and medium-term major project construction pipeline across the state. “This year’s major project pipeline has returned to levels not seen since the resources boom in 2012," QMCA chief executive officer Andrew Chapman said. "However, the pipeline is more balanced with various projects across diverse industries and locations, minimising the risk of another boom-and-bust period.” While the Federal Budget this week dealt a blow to funding hopes for major projects such as Hells Gates Dam and Urannah, they remain in the pipeline and the report covers projects rated as funded and unfunded. The major upset was the lack of immediate support for the Rockhampton Ring Road project, whose timing is now in doubt. Mr Chapman believed Queensland had received a raw deal on infrastructure funding in this Federal Budget. The Rockhampton Ring Road project had been considered fully funded and had already gone through a procurement process. "I think it's a big blow for industry confidence that a fully funded project is suddenly reprofiled so the money can go towards Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop, which could be done for a fraction of the cost with a tram," Mr Chapman said. Related: Construction group points finger on cost blowout More broadly, he said planned investment across the sector had increased and the industry was confident the pipeline would continue to grow as new opportunities become realised. He highlighted emerging energy sectors as hydrogen, rare earth minerals, and renewables projects as well as Defence investment to support new strategic partnerships. "And that is before we factor in projects that urgently need fast-tracking to support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Chapman said. However, the report also identifies key challenges that must be addressed to efficiently deliver the infrastructure planned. “Delivering the pipeline will pose challenges for the industry, government and private clients with capacity, capability, costs, and carbon major factors determining success," Mr Chapman said. "As a state, our pipeline is healthy, but it is vital to remember that we are competing for talent, materials, and resources on a national and international scale, with New South Wales ($112bn) and Victoria ($144bn) having significantly greater pipelines that Queensland.”

Strong work flow in Qld major project pipeline

Industry Queensland

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