$15bn for roads on budget wishlist

BILLIONS of dollars will need to be committed in the federal budget to fast-track critical transport infrastructure in Queensland and stem the growing road death toll, the RACQ has said.

Listing a dozen infrastructure projects in its federal budget wishlist, RACQ public policy head Rebecca Michael (below) said an estimated $15bn over the forward estimates is needed to accommodate the state’s booming population.

The RACQ’s budget wishlist includes increased and fasttracked funding for the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns, funding for the proposed “Second Bruce” inland route and a dedicated program to upgrade level crossings across the southeast.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland economic policy adviser Jack Baxter said the business community wanted to see tax reform, investment in skills and training, and investment in “transformational infrastructure” like high-speed rail.

Mr Baxter said removing fringe benefits tax on entertainment-related activities for small business would help stimulate demand in CBDs, which were still suffering the impacts of the pandemic.

“If there’s ever a time to bring forward reforms, now is the time,” he said.

He urged the government to extend the 50 per cent wage subsidies for apprentices, while investment was needed to better match skills shortages with vocational training.

Mr Baxter said the accelerating commitments already given on the Olympics would assist with economic recovery, and projects like high-speed rail would have long-term benefits.