Brisbane City Council has announced it will invest a record $3.8 billion in key infrastructure projects over the next four years as part of its total $4.3 billion Budget spend for 2023-24.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said 87% of the Budget investment will be spent in Brisbane’s suburbs, in line with the Council’s Suburbs First Guarantee.
“Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in Australia and we’re currently growing at a rate three times that of Sydney and twice that of Melbourne,” he said.
“While this Budget is focused on keeping costs down, it’s important we continue to invest in projects that will keep Brisbane moving and ensure our city remains clean and green.
“Our investment in infrastructure, which includes a record spend on new and improved footpaths and regular local road resurfacing projects, all helps cater for Brisbane’s rapid growth and protect the lifestyle we all love.
“Importantly, our investment is affordable with our Budget balanced and debt lower than forecast.”
The Council’s $4.3 billion 2023-24 Brisbane Budget includes:
- $1.43 billion – infrastructure ($3.8 billion over four years);
- $80 million cost-of-living package;
- $2.3 billion – Transport, including Brisbane Metro, green bridges, $192 million public transport subsidy, $103 million on road resurfacing and $41 million on footpaths;
- $1 billion – Environment, Parks and Sustainability, including $15.3 million for Victoria Park and $109 million on drainage projects;
- $387 million – City management;
- $307 million – Libraries and community facilities;
- $103 million – Planning and development;
- $69 million – Supporting business;
- More than $500,000 planning the future of Brisbane’s quarries.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the $1.4 billion being invested in infrastructure by Council next year would help to build a better Brisbane.
“That’s better roads through projects like the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade Project, better bridges, better bikeways and better transport to help keep Brisbane moving,” he said.
“It also means better parks and playgrounds, including four new pickleball courts in Parkinson, Sinnamon Park, Newmarket and Wakerley, and better sports fields, through projects like the Murarrie and Nudgee district sports parks.”
The Lord Mayor said the Budget also includes just over $500,000 to plan the future use of the Mount Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries.
“While there’s still an important role for both quarries in the immediate future, we must now start planning for their rehabilitation and ultimate transformation.”
“We will explore and plan exciting opportunities to create fantastic green and recreational spaces that have the potential to become much-loved destinations.
“Some have already suggested the Mt Coot-tha site could be transformed from a barren quarry into a world-class environmental precinct similar to the Eden Project in the United Kingdom.
“I’m genuinely excited by this truly unique opportunity to imagine and then create two wonderful legacy assets for our city,” he said.