Infrastructure gaps are a reality across Australia and of particular concern in the South East Queensland region.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) Infrastructure Committee is developing a multi-faceted campaign to secure additional infrastructure funding from the recently created Federal government body known as ‘Infrastructure Australia’ and other funding sources to help eliminate those gaps. 

This campaign involves:

·     Lobbying State and Federal government ministers, senators and MPs

·     The prioritisation of 65 infrastructure projects from a whole-of-region perspective

·     Stating a case for funding through an evidence-based submission

·     Seeking public views and comments on the key infrastructure issues facing the region

These actions initially culminated with a delegation of mayors from South East Queensland ‑ lead by Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chairman and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Cr Campbell Newman – visiting Parliament House in Canberra on 28 August 2008.

The delegation had a series of face‑to‑face meetings with SEQ Federal MPs, Queensland Senators and senior government ministers, including:

·     Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Leader of the House, Anthony Albanese

·     Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett

·     Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong

·     Minister for Housing and Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) Executive Director also met new Infrastructure Australia Coordinator, Michael Deegan, in Sydney immediately prior to the delegation’s arrival in Canberra.

The work of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to secure infrastructure funding will take into account submissions to ‘Infrastructure Australia’ made by the Queensland Government to avoid duplication.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) will continue to advocate for a fair share of infrastructure funding for this rapidly growing region.  To help secure a fair share of the $20 billion Building Australia Fund a campaign website has been created: www.infrastructurenow.com.au - visit the site and have your say.

For further information please read the Infrastructure Now! Policy Brief No.1 February 2009.  

For more information please contact the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Principal Project Officer.

COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ) INFRASTRUCTURE CAMPAIGN SUBMISSION

COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ) ADDENDUM

COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ) SUMMARY DOCUMENT