What are the major infrastructure projects in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast?

The 2032 Olympics has bolstered Queensland's infrastructure pipeline
18 major projects costing over $500 million are underway according to the state government
These projects will boost the property market for many years to come

The sheer volume of major infrastructure projects happening across Southeast Queensland would require a novel to explain in great detail.

But, in short, the plethora of major projects is set to underpin our region’s economy and property market for years to come.

Plus, we have the 2032 Olympics to prepare for as well, which will add even more major projects and positivity to our region.

According to the State Government, there are an extraordinary 18 major projects costing more than $500 million under way in Queensland at the tail-end of this year – the majority of which will greatly improve our transport infrastructure across the state.

In fact, there are so many projects on the go, that the government’s budgeted capital expenditure has increased from $9.9 billion in 2018-19 to $12.6 billion in the 2022-23 budget, which does not include the future projects associated with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Top Five

There are 11 major infrastructure projects with a budget of more than $1 billion happening in Queensland.

The number one by expenditure is the Cross River Rail, with a budget of $6.9 billion and a completion date of 2025.

The project consists of 10.2 kilometres of new rail infrastructure from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, including 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and Central Business District and 4 new underground stations – Woolloongabba, Boggo Road, Albert Street, and Roma Street. It will also deliver upgrades to eight above-ground stations – Salisbury, Rocklea, Moorooka, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga, Fairfield, Dutton Park, and Exhibition.

The second most expensive project is the final stages of the creation of 75 New Generation Rollingstock electric trains. The first NGR train began passenger service in 2017 with the final one delivered last year. The project will be completed in 2024 when all NGR trains have been modified with accessibility upgrades.

Third on the list by expenditure is the faster rail upgrade from Kuraby to Beenleigh at a cost of $2.6 billion, while fourth, at $2.2 billion, is Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector, which is the proposed 45-kilometre motorway connecting Logan City and the Gold Coast that will run parallel to the M1 Pacific Motorway for its entire length and adjacent to the Gold Coast railway line south of Coomera.

Rounding out the top five major infrastructure projects is Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail at a cost of $1.2 billion. The Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 3 project will extend the existing light rail system by approximately 6.7km to the south, from the Stage 1 terminus at Broadbeach South Station to Burleigh Heads. It will include eight new light rail stations, upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities, and an upgraded bus and rail interchange at Burleigh Heads Station.

Projects (As Of 30 June 2022) Costing More Than $500 Million

2032 Olympic Games’ projects

Planning for the 2032 Olympic Games is well under way with a huge number of new and upgraded venues needed for hosting some 28 Olympic and 22 Paralympic sports.

The State Government has created a master plan that identified the 37 competition venues that will be required, which includes six new venues and eight upgraded ones.

Competition venues will be hosted in the following locations:

Brisbane – 22 venues
Gold Coast – 6 venues
Sunshine Coast – 4 venues
Regional Queensland – 3 venues (Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba)
Interstate – 2 venues (Sydney, Melbourne).

According to the State Government, six new venues will be developed in time to host competition events for Brisbane 2032. Construction of the new venues is scheduled to commence from 2025.

The six new 2032 Olympic venues are:

Brisbane Arena (Brisbane City)Games events: Olympic Swimming, Olympic Water Polo finals and Paralympic Swimming
Games capacity: 15,000 seats

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre (Petrie, Moreton Bay)Games events: Olympic Boxing
Games capacity: 7,000 seats with temporary seating overlay

Brisbane Indoor Sports Centre (Albion, Brisbane)Games events: Olympic Basketball and Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball
Games capacity: 12,000 seats with temporary seating overlay

Sunshine Coast Indoor Centre (Kawana Sports Precinct or Maroochydore)Games events: Olympic Basketball Preliminaries
Games capacity: 6,000 seats with temporary seating overlay

Chandler Indoor Sports Centre (Chandler, Brisbane)Games events: Olympic Gymnastics and Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball
Games capacity: 10,000 seats with temporary seating overlay