Over the last month, the Queensland economy continued to transition away from its previous reliance on the resources sector.
The continued absence of
- strategic regional planning
- the lack of planning for the necessary infrastructure to enable the realisation of those adopted regional plans, and
- the lack of commitment to the financing of key infrastructure priorities
are adversely impacting on employment within our profession throughout Queensland as well as stifling our ability to prepare for the emerging Queensland growth scenarios.
These deficiencies, and the more apparent consequences of dramatic infrastructure policy changes associated with shifting political cycles, also appear to be continuing across other Australian states.
Recent announcements by the Federal Government to progress a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek without planning for a future rail corridor connection or failing to contribute to the financing of the second stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, are further examples indicating such challenges exist at a Federal level also.
There has never been a more important time to join in the chorus and support ongoing advocacy and engagement strategies targeted at bringing about significant policy changes. Queensland Division President Chris Warnock recently hosted a luncheon with Queensland's Deputy Premier which demonstrates Engineers Australia’s engagement at this level.
A concerted effort on behalf of the profession and in conjunction with various industry sectors will be required to reinforcing messages regarding the Queensland economy.
A key forum for further advancing such discussions has been arranged in Brisbane by Engineers Australia to be held on 20 October, involving David Quinn (recently appointed CEO of the state government's Building Queensland) and Macquarie Bank (specifically addressing infrastructure financing issues).
Article supplied by Chris Warnock FIEAust CPEng RPEQ, Engineers Australia Queensland Division President.