Minister, mayors to go head-to-head with feds over infrastructure funding

Infrastructure Minister Steven Miles will lead a delegation of mayors to Canberra to demand the federal government reverse deep funding cuts to infrastructure.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Steven Miles will lead a delegation of mayors to Canberra this month to demand the federal government reverse deep funding cuts to Queensland infrastructure projects.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed she would send Mr Miles to meet with federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King following revelations the federal government would end the default 80-20 funding split for major projects.

The shift to 50-50 funding is expected to put at risk about $5bn worth of infrastructure projects across the state.

“My message to the federal government is clear, don’t cut from Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk warned.

She also slammed Ms King for indicating Melbourne’s $2.2bn suburban rail loop, in her home state of Victoria – which does not have a business case – was likely safe from any budget cuts.

Ms Palaszczuk asked: “How is it fair that one state receives more investment for its projects while our state is told to accept less?”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said future safety improvements on the Bruce Highway would also be put at risk without federal government support.

“Already my office has been receiving calls from some of our key roads and transport stakeholders and partners expressing their concern at any shift in funding arrangements that might impact Queensland’s massive road network — the largest road network in

Australia, despite New South Wales and Victoria having much larger populations than our state,” he said.

Originally published as Minister, mayors to go head-to-head with feds over infrastructure funding