Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner has applauded a decision by Infrastructure Australia to add the city’s green bridge building program to its priority list.
The Lord Mayor said the program’s addition to the list was “fantastic news” for Brisbane.
“Infrastructure Australia backed the Brisbane Metro project several years ago and this led to $600 million in Federal and State funding,” he said.
“Now that they’ve listed our green bridges as nationally significant infrastructure, we’re excited about the opportunity to attract more Federal and State funding to Brisbane.
“I’ve always said that we will build two green bridges this term and further bridges will be subject to funding from other levels of government.”
The Council has already secured $60 million in Federal funds for its Kangaroo Point green bridge, and the city’s Breakfast Creek green bridge project is also underway.
“We recently made the decision to temporarily pause the two West End green bridges to focus on Brisbane’s rebuild and recovery from the devastating February flood,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
He said that with Infrastructure Australia now backing Brisbane’s green bridges, Council would welcome discussions with the State and Federal governments.
“Funding from other levels of government would mean these nationally-significant green bridges can be delivered sooner,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
The 2022 Priority List includes two new proposals recommended for Commonwealth investment – the Australia-Asia Power Link and Sydney’s Circular Quay Renewal.
Australia-Asia Power Link is a private proposal from Sun Cable, which proposes to develop large-scale dispatchable renewable energy in the Northern Territory that would provide zero emission electricity to Darwin and Singapore.
Set to be the largest solar farm, largest battery and longest subsea electricity cable ever developed globally, the proposal would deliver lower electricity prices for the NT and develop a new renewable energy export industry for northern Australia.
The NSW Government’s proposed Circular Quay Renewal project seeks to transform one of Australia’s most recognisable and historic places.
With major transport upgrades, delivery of modern and well-integrated public spaces and greater recognition for First Nations cultures and history, the proposal offers substantial community and economic benefits, Infrastructure Australia said in a statement.
