Building a rail bridge is proving just as difficult as building a political bridge for the Queensland and federal governments ahead of the federal budget, with a fight continuing over funding for the Cross River Rail project.
The on-again, off-again proposal for a second rail crossing over the Brisbane River, first mooted in 2010, looks like it may be delayed again.
Queensland's Labor government has this week been calling on the Turnbull government to "at least" match its commitment of $850 million to the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project in Tuesday's budget.
However the prime minister, while saying he was committed to the project, seemingly brushed aside the request on Wednesday and insisted "methodical, consistent" planning was needed.
Another battleground for the Palaszczuk government and the federal Coalition is the issue of power for north Queensland.
The state has proposed a hydro-electricity plant while the Commonwealth and the state Liberal National Party opposition have thrown their weight behind a coal-fired power station proposal.
The federal Labor opposition has committed $200 million towards the Burdekin Dam hydro scheme if elected.
Queensland state schools are expected to receive an additional $542 million in funding over four years under the federal government's education reforms.
But the state government has raised concerns the bulk of the money has been allocated for the end of the 10-year plan.
It is seeking certainty for several initiatives due to expire in the near future, including early childhood education and remote indigenous housing.
The state is also seeking funds relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, white spot disease plaguing the prawn industry and housing affordability reform.
QUEENSLAND'S KEY FEDERAL BUDGET WISHLIST
* At least $850 million for Cross River Rail
* Equal or greater funding for education and health
* Funding and support for a gas pipeline and more exploration of the Bowen and Galilee basins
* Funding and support for a hydro-power plant in North Queensland over a proposed coal-fired power station
