Game changing deal great news for the Redlands
The future of funding for priority infrastructure projects in the Redlands received a major boost today with two game-changing announcements.
Redlands Coast
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A game-changing deal struck between all levels of government today was the best news for Redlands residents.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the announcement of Commonwealth support for a City Deal and the release of the Transforming SEQ proposal by the State Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) today, meant infrastructure projects would no longer be subject to changes in the political landscape.
“We have to negotiate what this looks like but we have both sides supporting a collaborative plan for much needed infrastructure,” Cr Williams said.
“Redlands Coast would benefit greatly from a SEQ City Deal with the potential to deliver better outcomes on the locally important issues of transport infrastructure, internet/mobile connectivity, health and small business and innovation.”
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The Transforming SEQ proposal would see major projects including the Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail line duplication become part of a long term, co-ordinated delivery supported by all levels of government.
“The fact it (the plan) can survive different terms and political colours gives certainty particularly to our residents,” Cr Williams said.
“Some of the issues we are facing – such as the urgently needed Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail line duplication – demand a regional approach because they cross Council boundaries and require significant financial and infrastructure commitments.”
“I believe southeast Queensland has a strong case for a City Deal, which would facilitate better collaboration between all three tiers of government and private enterprise.
Mayor calls on candidates to support major infrastructure priorities
Property Council Queensland Executive Director Chris Mountford commended the SEQ City deal approach to long term infrastructure planning.
“Projects such as the Cleveland Line duplication should be assessed on their potential to increase the city’s liveability and productivity and prioritised accordingly,” Mr Mountford said.
“The business community and residents alike should have complete certainty about when these sorts of projects will be undertaken, and which levels of government will fund them.”
Cr Williams said the blueprint for the future would give businesses the confidence to invest and create the “economic producitivty that we all strive for”.
“As a rate payer and tax payer this deal gives me great comfort,” Cr Williams said.
She said while Redlands did not have the growth of other south east Queensland regions like Logan and the Sunshine Coast it was essential the region had the opportunity to make the most of its “wonderful assets - so that people can enjoy and leverage off those assets”.
“It is a milestone to have bipartisan support,” Cr Williams said.
“Now we need to work hard to make sure we get the best bang for our buck.”
Cr Williams said she was unable to commit to timing regarding major infrastructure projects like the duplication of the Cleveland rail line but said “it’s a long journey. My community knows I have been advocating for this and I will not be silent”.
“I can’t commit to where it will sit (in the list of regional priorities) but there will be a blueprint about how it can be delivered. Now it is the when and what but we have a plan that is no longer subject political change”.
Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) (of which she is an executive member) had been investigating the application of the City Deal model since 2013 as a way to ensure the long-term and co-ordinated delivery of infrastructure and supporting programs across the region.
“With a Federal election looming, the timing is right for the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to put this regional proposal forward and ask the Australian Government to begin formal negotiations to deliver an SEQ City Deal.”
“The announcement of the City Deal proposition follows Council recently urging all candidates for the seat of Bowman to support an advocacy document prepared by Council in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election.”
Mr Mountford said the Queensland Government, SEQ Councils and the Property Council had been collaborating for nearly six years on the potential for an SEQ City Deal, jointly funding studies into how it could work in our local context.
“Several years of ground work have already been done, and the TransformingSEQ proposition document has endorsed a number of key proposals that have been promoted by the Property Council.”
“The development of Growth Infrastructure Compacts, has been flagged as a method of spelling out clear infrastructure delivery expectations for the community in line with population growth.”
“In one of the most urbanised countries in the world, City Deals are the ‘real deal’ in driving productivity and investment for our growing cities and regions.
“We congratulate the Prime Minister and Cities Minister, Alan Tudge, for their national leadership on city deals, and the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) for bringing a City Deal to fruition.”
View the Transforming SEQ proposal is available on the SEQ Council of Mayor’s here.
What is a City Deal
City Deals, first implemented in the UK, involve a long-term contract between levels of government, committing to a series of investments and initiatives which have been prioritised because of their potential to create jobs and improve productivity and liveability. Source. Property Council
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