Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner says Brisbane “cannot continue to be overlooked” by the Federal Government, warning the city risks being left behind without urgent Federal investment to match its growth.
“Hundreds of people are moving to Brisbane every week, meaning more people than ever are using the city’s transport network, community infrastructure and essential services,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“Without stronger funding from all levels of government, the city runs the risk of critical infrastructure falling behind population growth.
“We’re not asking for special treatment, we’re asking for Brisbane residents to get their fair share.”
The Lord Mayor says coordinated investment is essential to ensuring Brisbane remains a productive, liveable and globally competitive city.
“Local governments collect just three cents in every tax dollar, yet deliver around one-third of the services Australians rely on,” he said.
“This imbalance reinforces the importance of collaboration between all levels of government to deliver major infrastructure.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner says there is also a strong case for the Federal Government to prioritise Brisbane, as increasing numbers of residents from Sydney and Melbourne relocate to south east Queensland.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Brisbane and Perth were the only capital cities to have a net inflow of internal migrants.
The Lord Mayor argues that, despite this growth, significant Federal funding continues to be directed toward major projects in other capital cities including:
- $6 billion for the first stage of Melbourne’s Suburban Rail loop;
- $229.6 million investment in the Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail project, bringing the total Federal contribution to $659.6 million;
- Funding 80 per cent of the new Bridgewater Bridge in Tasmania.
The Council’s Federal Budget submission outlines a pipeline of city-shaping projects designed to keep Brisbane moving and support long-term national productivity, including:
- Early investment to extend Brisbane Metro to Springwood, Lutwyche and Brisbane Airport;
- Continued support for the Story Bridge Restoration Project;
- Funding to plan and upgrade the critical Bowen Bridge Road corridor;
- $4 million to accelerate ferry network enhancements;
- $350 million to future-proof the City Reach Boardwalk;
- Investment in growing communities like Pallara and Rochedale.
Projects such as Brisbane Metro highlight what can be achieved when working with other levels of Government, with the new system already driving a 27% increase in public transport patronage in line with 50 cent fares and Brisbane’s New Bus Network, the Lord Mayor said.
The submission also calls for broader funding reform to support councils across Australia, including reinstating the $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and increasing funding for high-growth areas.
In Brisbane, almost $200 million was spent last year subsidising the delivery of State and Federal government services, placing pressure on the city to not only deliver these projects, but invest in core infrastructure and maintain services.
At the same time, Financial Assistance Grants have declined, reducing the capacity to manage growth while keeping costs down for residents, he said.
“We’re doing our part to keep costs down for residents and deliver congestion-busting infrastructure, but we can’t manage this growth alone.”
“With global attention turning to Brisbane ahead of 2032, the upcoming Federal Budget presents a critical opportunity to invest in infrastructure that will support Brisbane now, for the Games and beyond.”
