Delivering Brisbane 2032: Key Infrastructure Projects Set to Transform Queensland

The Queensland Government has unveiled its comprehensive 2032 Delivery Plan, outlining key infrastructure projects to support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a strong focus on transport, sport, housing, and regional development, the plan ensures the Games will leave a lasting legacy across the state.

Major Infrastructure Projects:

  • New Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park
    A new state-of-the-art stadium will be constructed in Brisbane, serving as a central venue for the Games and future events.
  • National Aquatic Centre, Spring Hill
    The Centenary Pool site will be transformed into a world-class aquatic venue for swimming and diving.
  • RNA Showgrounds Upgrade
    Includes redevelopment of the Main Arena and construction of an Athlete Village, which will be converted into housing post-Games.
  • Queensland Tennis Centre Expansion
    A new show court and 12 additional match courts will strengthen the venue’s international capabilities.
  • Chandler Sports Precinct
    Upgrades to deliver a Para-sport centre of excellence.
  • Athlete Villages
    New accommodation developments on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, later repurposed as community housing.

Transport and Connectivity:

  • Faster Rail (Brisbane-Gold Coast)
    Infrastructure to support faster and more reliable rail services.
  • The Wave (Beerwah to Maroochydore)
    A new rail line connecting the Sunshine Coast via the airport to the CBD.
  • M1 and Bruce Highway Upgrades
    Major works to improve capacity, safety and flood resilience.
  • New Bus Corridors and Rail Stations
    Aimed at easing congestion and improving public transport across SEQ.

Regional Upgrades:

  • Barlow Park, Cairns
    Enhancements to seating and amenities to host larger sports events.
  • Toowoomba Showgrounds
    Transformation into an Equestrian Centre of Excellence.
  • Fitzroy River, Rockhampton
    Development of rowing and canoe sprint facilities.
  • Cairns Western Arterial Road
    Road upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety.

Legacy and Community Benefits:

The Delivery Plan places a strong emphasis on lasting outcomes for Queenslanders. Many venues will be upgraded rather than rebuilt, keeping costs in check while ensuring top-tier facilities. Athlete Villages will transition into housing, and transport infrastructure will continue to benefit growing communities well beyond the 2032 Games.

To learn more, view the full plan here.

Transforming Queensland: Key Civil Construction Projects Shaping the State’s Future

Queensland is currently experiencing a surge in civil construction projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and supporting economic growth. Below are some notable projects underway across the state:

1. Coomera Connector (Stage 1)

The Coomera Connector, often referred to as the “second M1,” is a significant motorway project designed to alleviate congestion on the Pacific Motorway. Stage 1 spans approximately 16 kilometers, connecting Coomera to Nerang. Construction is actively progressing, with Stage 1 North and Stage 1 Central underway, and early works for Stage 1 South commenced. This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, each contributing $1.513 billion.

Coomera Connector Stage 1

2. Gold Coast Light Rail (Stage 3)

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project involves a 6.7-kilometer extension of the existing tram network, linking Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads. This extension aims to provide a reliable and efficient public transport option, reducing traffic congestion and supporting sustainable urban growth. Construction is currently underway, with completion anticipated in the coming years.

Gold Coast Light Rail

3. Pacific Motorway (M1) Upgrade Program

The Pacific Motorway (M1) is undergoing a series of upgrades to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. One significant project is the Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) upgrade, a $1.5 billion initiative to expand a 10-kilometer section of the motorway. Construction is being delivered in packages to ensure efficient progress and value for money.

Pacific Motorway M1 Upgrade Program

4. Mount Lindesay Highway Upgrade

The Mount Lindesay Highway is receiving critical upgrades to enhance capacity and safety. The project focuses on widening the highway to four lanes between Johanna Street and South Street, constructing a new southbound bridge, and upgrading key intersections. These improvements aim to support the growing traffic demands and improve overall road safety.

Mount Lindesay Highway

5. Sunshine Coast Major Projects

The Sunshine Coast region is experiencing significant infrastructure development to accommodate its rapid population growth. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is planning several major road, rail, and public transport projects, including active transport initiatives. These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support sustainable urban development.

Sunshine Coast Major Projects

These projects reflect Queensland’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure that meets the needs of its growing population and economy.

Five Major Road Projects Underway in Australia

Australia is currently delivering a range of transformative road infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic growth. Here’s a closer look at five significant projects making an impact across the country:

North East Link (Victoria)

Victoria’s largest road project, the North East Link, is connecting the Eastern Freeway to the M80 Ring Road, revolutionizing Melbourne’s transport network. This transformative project includes twin three-lane tunnels, new interchanges, and 34 kilometers of upgraded bike and pedestrian paths. Once complete, the project is expected to remove up to 15,000 trucks from local roads daily, significantly easing congestion. The North East Link is being delivered by the Spark Consortium, which includes Webuild, CPB Contractors, and AECOM, with construction well underway.

Coomera Connector (Stage 1) (Queensland)

Known as the ‘Second M1,’ the Coomera Connector is a vital addition to Queensland’s transport infrastructure, spanning 16 kilometers from Coomera to Nerang. Designed to alleviate congestion on the Pacific Motorway, the project includes new bridges over the Nerang and Coomera Rivers and upgrades to key intersections. Stage 1 is being delivered by a joint venture between ACCIONA AU & NZ and Georgiou Group, with completion expected by late 2025.

Bruce Highway Upgrade (Queensland)

The Bruce Highway, a critical freight and commuter route spanning 1,700 kilometers, is undergoing significant upgrades to improve safety and flood resilience. This project includes widening, the installation of safety barriers, and improvements to flood-prone sections. Supported by a $7.2 billion investment from the Australian Government, these upgrades aim to meet the growing demands of one of Queensland’s most important highways while addressing safety concerns.

Majors Road Interchange (South Australia)

The Majors Road Interchange project is enhancing connectivity to Adelaide’s Southern Expressway while supporting economic growth in the region. This new interchange will improve access for local industries and reduce travel times for commuters. The $120 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, with construction supporting approximately 245 full-time-equivalent jobs annually during the build.

Hume Freeway Upgrade (Victoria)

As part of Victoria’s $1.1 billion Road Safety Action Plan, the Hume Freeway Upgrade is focusing on improving safety and travel reliability along one of the state’s busiest freight corridors. The project includes wide centerline treatments, road widening, and infrastructure upgrades to address high-risk areas. This initiative is critical to ensuring safer and more efficient travel for both freight operators and commuters.

minister.infrastructure.gov.au

Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley

The much-anticipated Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is set to officially open on 14 December 2024, offering a stunning new recreational route through the heart of the Northern Rivers region. Delivered by civil contractor Hazel Bros, this project showcases how history and sustainability can combine to create a unique and accessible space for the community.

Final Touches Near Completion

Construction crews have been working hard to finalise key elements of the trail, including:

  • Upgraded Facilities: Enhancements to Bungabee car park and South Lismore car park (at the historic Lismore Railway Station) are in the final stages.
  • Shared Path Connection: A newly constructed link to Nesbitt Park ensures seamless access for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Historic Railway Materials Repurposed

Adding a distinctive charm to the trail, materials from the original railway line have been transformed into functional and artistic features:

  • Lismore Signage: A bold new sign at the Lismore Railway Station, crafted from historic railway steel.
  • Trailhead Seating: Benches built from aged bridge timbers with brackets made from repurposed railway steel.
  • Equestrian Features: Horse-hitching rails, also fashioned from the railway steel, cater to riders along the trail.
  • Bike Rack: A 4-metre-long rack made from repurposed steel, ready to accommodate cycling enthusiasts.

Heritage Meets Modern Upgrades

The trailhead at the heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station precinct is receiving final enhancements, including turfing and pressure cleaning, blending historical significance with modern functionality to create a welcoming entry point.

A Growing Network of Trails

The Lismore to Bentley section is the latest addition to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, joining the completed Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section. Together, these trails are transforming the region into a hub for recreational tourism, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting local economies.

https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/Projects/Current-projects-1/Northern-Rivers-Rail-Trail-Lismore-to-Bentley

New Bridgewater Bridge Project Reaches Major Milestone

The New Bridgewater Bridge project in Tasmania has reached a significant construction milestone, marking an important step forward in improving connectivity and transport efficiency across the state. The completion of 46 foundational piles for the bridge has laid the groundwork for this landmark infrastructure project, which spans 1.2 kilometers across the River Derwent.

These foundational piles, extending 30 to 90 meters below the riverbed, provide critical support for the bridge structure. The New Bridgewater Bridge, Tasmania’s largest transport infrastructure project to date, is designed to include two lanes in each direction, ensuring smoother traffic flow for commuters and freight alike. Additionally, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians is part of the design, aiming to make active transport safer and more accessible.

An important aspect of the bridge’s construction is its height clearance, allowing for uninterrupted passage of maritime traffic underneath. The bridge addresses a longstanding need, connecting the Brooker and Midland highways and creating a direct route that will enhance safety and reduce congestion in the area.

Upon completion, the New Bridgewater Bridge is expected to boost connectivity, improve road safety, and support regional economic growth by providing an efficient link between major highways.

Key Project Features:

  • Length: 1.2 kilometers across the River Derwent
  • Lanes: Two in each direction for better traffic flow
  • Shared Path: Dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Clearance: Designed for maritime traffic to pass underneath

With the foundation in place, the project is well on track, aiming to deliver a transformative addition to Tasmania’s transport network that meets the needs of both local residents and the wider region.

https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2024/october/new-bridgewater-bridge-reaches-the-high-water-mark