The Queensland government isn't spending enough on infrastructure and it could cost the state 20,000 jobs over the next five years, a new report warns.
The report, by the Civil Contractors Federation of Queensland, says spending is already $17 billion behind what it needs to be to ensure the state has adequate port, rail, electricity and road infrastructure.
That figure will blow out to $40 billion by 2020 unless the government starts spending more on new projects and the maintenance of existing infrastructure, the report says.
"This is a problem that began with a sudden halt in spending in 2012," CCF chief executive Robert Row said in a statement on Monday.
"And it underlines the importance of maintaining a regular infrastructure investment plan, to stay on top of the state's road and utilities needs."
The Building Our Future report found the number of construction jobs in Queensland had fallen by 40 per cent since 2010, from 84,000 to 53,000.
Mr Row said the state government must commit to a minimum infrastructure spend of seven per cent of Gross State Product.
"With both sides of politics in the state having ruled out asset sales we now need to look for new and innovative ways to pay for the work we need," he said.
"This may include smart tolling, private sector partnerships and even targeted borrowing or fundraising."
The Labor government released a draft infrastructure plan in October, with increasing public transport capacity in southeast Queensland among five priorities.
Share
