Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, , 1:45:00 to 2:24:18
The committee reviews progress on the M1 motorway, the Paradise Dam wall rebuild, and the status of the Inland Rail project extension into Queensland.
Topics: Infrastructure, Public safety, Water management
Speakers: Matthew Canavan, Malcolm Roberts, Andrew Bourne, Hon Anthony Chisholm, Bill Brummitt, Hon Matthew Canavan, Jessica Hall, Jim Betts, Senator Matthew Canavan, Speaker 20
>> Thank you chair. Thank you for being here. Good morning. I've got a question just updating on the infrastructure plan for the country. First question is referencing the infrastructure priority list dated 6th of February 2026 the Brisbane to Gold Coast Highway. Firstly, this is on the infrastructure priority list and it says the next step is to and I'll quote proponent to develop potential investment options stage two of infrastructure Australia's assessment framework and complete business case development stage three of the framework. The prop proponent is the
Sorry, Senator, could you could you
>> The infrastructure priority list says the next step is on the G Coast Highway, Brisbane, G Coast is quote proponent to develop potential investment options stage two of infrastructure Australia's assessment framework and complete business case development stage three of the framework. The proponent is the Queensland state government. Correct.
>> That's what's on the infrastructure priority. Yeah, that would be correct.
>> Thank you. I note that a 10 km section of the highway was upgraded, yet the M1 is 80 km long. When will we see progress on upgrading the rest of the M1?
>> We can take you through what programs we have on the M1 currently, but any additional requests for funding would have to come from the Queensland
>> Would you like us to go through our projects along the M1, Senator? Yes, >> Okay. Um
>> Oh, could you put it on notice maybe because I've got a few other questions there. They're all short answers.
>> Sure. There's quite a bit to them. >> we can take that. I know that's how you
>> The centinary highway, that's the next project. The new bridge is welcome. So, thank you for that. People in the west appreciate it. However, the centinerary western Brisbane that is. However, the centenerary highway is 42 kilometers long and the plans to widen the motorway are at the Let's talk about what to do next. Same question. When will we see the rest of the widening occur on the
So, Senator, currently we have a project called the Centenary Motor upgra motorway upgrade. Um, and that is a business case that is currently underway. Um, and I'm just checking here. I think I mean that will be subject to the outcomes of that business case.
>> Okay. So, we're at business business
>> Yes. If we're referring to the Sydney Centenery motorway upgrade.
>> Thank you. Next one is Paradise Dam. Now, we don't disagree with the decision taken to rebuild the wall. Let me make that clear. My question, though, is straightforward. Construction on the replacement dam wall is listed at a cost of $4.1 billion. However, the project is still awaiting a business case. What stage is this project at? When is construction likely to start? And what's the level of cooperation from the Crucifily government to start the rebuild?
>> Uh, that will be a matter for the Department of um climate change, energy, environment, and water.
>> Department of Climate Change.
>> And water.
>> So it's under their purview, not yours.
>> Correct. We're responsible for land
>> Okay. This one we're excited about. The proposal. Queensland inland freight route capacity and safety is to bring inland rail over the border at Mangandai and then take it due north to Charters Towers. This would link in with the Brisbane line and Toumba airport at Roma. from Roma rather the existing line to Long Reach the port of Gladston with a small missing link across to the Gladston heavy rail network and to Mount Eizer and Townsville along the existing Mes route this is the right alignment for inland inland rail at last we're seeing progress this proposal appears though to have stalled waiting on the Chrisphy government to do something at what point Minister do you use your power to just get these brilliant infrastructure projects moving we're delighted to hear these projects
I don't know if the department can provide any update on on where that is at.
>> So, Senator, if you're referring to the inland freight route, I think upgrade because I think you also mentioned the inland rail as well.
freight route capacity and safety
>> So, currently
>> love the idea. Something we've been pushing for a while.
>> So, that that's a road upgrade. Sorry, >> that's a road upgrade, not a rail upgrade. So, we can we can take we can take you through the inland rail uh the inland freight route um um upgrade.
>> Yep. If you could please.
>> Um so, there's an uh early works package that's continuing at the Canaveran Highway between In June and Rollston. um uh uh the Dorson River Bridge uh and um uh and Gregory Development Road uh and pavement strengthening and widening various sections uh as well. uh as and then um uh on the uh also on the Canaveran Highway um the Baffl Creek Bridge upgrade is proceeding. Um and um and the um Gregory Developmental Road pavement strengthening and widening uh in a number of sections there is is under construction uh as well as a number of major culvert upgrades. Uh the inland freight route is obviously a a very large multi- multi-year um um multi-year project.
>> It's been going a long while and we understand why. >> Okay. Next one is the East Coast container shipping capacity. This project does not appear to have progressed since problem was identified in 2020. The Port of Glaston land and sea access upgrade is still on identified problem since 2015. No progress. Is Infrastructure Australia considering the effect of running inland rail to the port of Glaston and the proposal currently on the books for a major container facility and inter modal at the port of Glaston by IPG Global? Are you considering IPG Global at all?
>> We're we're not infrastructure Australia. They're on at 9:15 tonight with the federal department of infrastructure. Um we can ask we can ask refer to the work that's been funded on connection to Gladnik.
So, Infrastructure uh just going back um uh Infrastructure Australia, you'll have to ask them if they've received a business case because they don't actually make decisions either. They receive business cases. So, if that helps in regards to the questions you
>> okay, I'll ask them.
>> Yeah.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
>> Thanks, Chair. Senator Canavan, you have a
follow up there. Um just on the um that glass to tumba um what did you say business case is that what you call it or wasn't there a feasibility study done or some such
>> just get my team
David assistant secretary infrastructure groups uh yeah there was a business case undertaken between the commonwealth government and Queensland government looking at an extension of inland rail from Toumba through to the port of Gladston.
>> Okay. When was that completed?
the work was completed
What what month in 2024?
Uh January 2024.
>> Okay. So two years ago. Uh uh where where's it up to? Has there been a response from government or consideration at the minister's meeting?
>> My understanding is still being considered by both governments.
>> Okay. All right. Uh has it been released? >> No. Is there any plans to release it?
>> Be a matter for the two governments.
>> How much did it cost?
>> $10 million.
>> Okay. And and who paid those costs?
Uh, so Senator, there was a $10 million commitment from the Comwalth to that
date to the Queensland government based
>> Right. Did the Queensland government make any contributions?
>> Uh, in kind contributions.
>> So only So the $10 million commitment only $4.8 million has been spent of it.
That's right.
>> Are there any plans to spend any more of that in your future budgets?
uh future expenditure would depend on the outcomes of the work to date.
>> Right. Okay. Just what so like explain to me the progress 2 years on what's So it's a long time what you say it's under consideration.
before those two governments to decide
what they want to do next. Okay. But has there been has the minister been briefed
>> Uh yes, Senator. I think the minister was last briefed in mid204. Just double check.
>> Mid 2024.
>> Yeah, that's correct. June 2024.
>> So not much has happened for a year and a half. Can you tell me something specific that's happened for a year and
I think the priority of the government savan has been uh sorting out the mess that inland rail uh became under the government that you were a part of. Uh obviously the review that was undertaken uh identified
>> for those watching home you know now they're under pressure.
>> It had tripled in >> it had tripled uh in cost to actually complete it. So uh the focus of the government has been getting it uh back on track so to speak. Uh and that's what we've been doing in the first term and then uh obviously future decisions are available to government uh this term.
>> Right. Okay. Okay. But I'm just wondering minister, so what is the plan now to respond to this report that cost $4.8 million and is now now it's 2 years since it happened. So line for you to talk about uh what you think happened years ago. But >> I think the Australian people are much more interested in what your plans are for the future. So what are you going to do with this report?
>> Uh obviously that's a matter for Minister King uh to consider, but the focus from the minister has been uh on uh fixing up the mess that was created uh by the previous government that you were a part of.
>> Okay. Right. So back to us. Um look, I um have you been briefed about it, Senator Chisum, about the report? No, I >> Just here. Got a med release from you on the 12th of February 2021 um uh following a meeting you had uh with uh the member for Glass Glenn Butcher, the glass of Mayor Matt Bernett. I believe you got a briefing from John Abbott who was then I think the chancellor of Central Queensland University. You're quoted in your media release saying it was great to be in Gladston on Wednesday to be briefed by John Abbott, the CQU chancellor as well as Mayor Bernett represent from the Glaston Port member for the Gladston Glenn Butcher and other local economic groups about the opportunities that could come from extending the inland rail to Gladston rather than to Brisbane. The proposal to extend to Bris Gladston is an interesting one and it would bring many benefits. It would help alleviate some of the problems in southern Queensland with the current route also helping to support the Glassenport's long-term growth and the local economy. I'm just wondering given you put that out to the people of central Queensland uh 3 years ago. You've tried to claim that you're a big have big interest in this. Why haven't you followed up that interest in finding out what's in this report 2 years after it's been
>> I think it was more than more than 3 years ago. Uh Senator Canavan uh and uh that was when we're in opposition uh and there was a
>> you can do something about it. Can you
uh if you let me finish, there was a Senate inquiry into it that I participated in that uh that was chaired very aly as well. >> Uh and uh the thing that is probably most disappointing is uh when we come to government and >> we lift the lid and see what a mess that you made of inland rail and how much work we've got to do to fix it up. Uh so I'm still very passionate about inland rail. I think it's going to be a great thing for the country. Um, but we are fixing up a lot of damage that was done by uh your party in particular and your former leader who's now jumped shipped to another party.
>> So, do you think that do you still believe that the extension of the inland rail uh to um uh to Gladston presents uh what would you say here? Just trying is an interesting one. It would bring many benefits. Do you still think that? Uh I
think that inland rail is a tremendous opportunity. Uh obviously there's a lot of work to do on the Queensland side of the border uh in terms of inland rail and that's uh something that the government is going to have to turn its attention to this term.
>> Have you read the report?
>> I haven't seen it. No.
>> Have you asked for the report? >> Why? Why not?
>> Uh my responsibilities lay elsewhere in the Kennavan and I've been focused on
>> your role again. I can't read it at the moment. Parliamentary Secretary. What does it say? >> Yeah, I do. It's very small. He's got a lot of words in his title, but doesn't seem to do much. >> What does it say? Representing. Oh, you're representing the minister. What's your actual title? What's your ministerial title?
>> Uh regional development in this space,
>> right? Your regional development. This is perhaps the most important regional development project in your state that you represent. Why haven't you just trying without without throwing money on the other side, I'm just trying to ask why haven't you >> as the assistant minister for region development asked for to read a report that cost $4.8 million that you said was a huge opportunity. Why haven't you read
that report? Uh because I've been focused on the areas that I've been responsible for, Senator Canavan.
>> So you're not responsible for Central
Quisone. Uh, of course that's part of my remit, but in terms of my portfolio responsibilities, um, that's what I've been focused on delivering on.
>> I think Gladson is regional, Senator Sullivan, and I think the people of Central Queens understand that like always, the Labour Party likes to turn up in the place and talk a big game, but don't deliver. They don't do the work. They don't do the work. You could just at least read the report, Senator Chisum, that would help.
>> I'd back our record of delivery verse yours, Senator Gaban.
>> I hate to break the R minutes up, but let's have a smoke break and come back
was going to ask some questions to follow from notice3 through obviously in detail lots of the projects but I did want to drill down in the answer to that question on notice. You said that the $200 million early works package is expected to deliver five intersection upgrades. Just want to check what are those intersection upgrades and have they started now? They may have been covered in what you said before. I didn't really hear intersection upgrades, but it may have been covered by some of those projects, but have you got a list of those five? And have they started
>> intersection?
>> Sorry,
>> we did go through those intersection.
>> They were included. Well, can you just split them out cuz I might have them
again for you.
>> Now, it might have been a bit hard to understand what we're
So, they're the five packages. They're the ones that I was referring to before that will include the um they're in all in design at the moment.
>> Okay. So, they're in design. >> All right. So, which of those
>> these are the five intersection upgrades that we still haven't done the
>> Which was the qual.
>> Uh 266. Sorry, two. Sorry, 233. >> You got that in front of you?
>> go through. >> So starting sorry Senator I'll kick off while my colleague also has a look um >> at Gimpy to to Merry Burough south of Borpool safety improvements and intersection upgrades at Chapman's Road and Mountain View Road. That was for $4.3 million. That that project is under
>> Okay.
>> uh the uh north Gingin to Banabi north of Colonga uh intersection up earthwork safety improvements and intersection upgrades at the Barton Road intersection um which is under construction.
There's also the north bal one here two is so I've got one here also at Gimpy Marabara north of Borpal Senator which said which is uh safety improvements and new protected turn lane for southbound traffic at Brooks Road intersection that's under construction as Oh,
there's pavement strengthening at the
okay. And in the design package, I think I'm down at the design package here. I've got um at the mai proipine there are three designs comprising approximately 13.6 6 km of upgrades including intersection upgrade at Fairley Habana Road. The that's where we mentioned that the pre-construction And in the air to Townsville, there are six designs comprising approximately 12 km of wide center line and pavement strengthening upgrades and an upgrade of Allenale Drive intersection. And that and those five design contracts have been awarded.
>> So that's five. I've got five now. Are there more? Is that it?
>> One more. Um,
>> six now.
>> And this is the Ingam to Inisvale. Eight designs comprising approximately 25.2 km of wide center lines and pavement strengthening and intersection upgrades at Alingham Street and and Milray Street and Stitch Street and Ida Street.
>> Okay. And and just to clarify, there's the 200 million early works package, which is what the Quan referred to, and then there's the 100 million design package, which is the full 300.
>> Okay. And then the two vehicle um two heavy vehicle, sorry, rest areas. Where
Okay, I've got um at the Gimpy Maraba section north of KA, there's a new rest area on eastern side of the KA interchange that's under construction. Uh Ginger Benabi Benabi, sorry. Um, south of Miriam Vale, construction of new heavy vehicle rest area. Um, that's
>> And that's that's it. >> Okay. Um, uh, just to confirm too, uh, the money that's been spent so far, is that only from the early works package and the early design uh, package? >> The money that's been actually expended
>> from the Commonwealth?
>> Yes, from the Commonwealth.
>> That's right.
>> That's That's it. So there's been nothing on any of the other programs at the moment.
>> Even though they've even though there's been two projects that have been completed in that second tranch. That's
>> Okay. >> Okay. Um do we have do you have data on how many fatalities occur on the Bruce
>> Uh we do, Senator. Yes.
>> Okay. Do you have that uh available to you?
>> Yep. Um so well I mean there's obviously a what depends the level of detail uh but in 2025 the number of fatalities on the Bruce Highway was 32 uh which were uh as a comparison in 2024 the number of fatalities was 42. Um, in terms of hospitalizations, uh, 153 hospitalizations in 2025, uh, 498 hospitalizations in 2024, 462 in 2023. Um, we have data, at least I have data here back to 2015. Um,
>> right. Is it well roughly speak increasing tread stable or obviously you've had a decrease in 25, which is
welcome. It's pretty it's relatively stable on the hospitalizations. Um, >> and it goes a bit up and down in terms of the fatalities.
>> Do you divide the fatalities by the >> Or is it just for the whole length?
>> Not the data we have uh is the highway.
>> We can actually take that on notice.
>> Yeah, if you could. I suppose we have
done that previously. I'd be
particularly I'm not exactly sure when the Gimpy bypass open, but I'm I'd be particularly interested to see any changes when new upgrades do occur. >> Eight months ago, >> 8 months >> 18 months ago. >> 18 months. So yeah, it would have Okay. I was just wondering if it was all of last calendar year, but it would have been uh on that basis.
>> We've got and we've got information on how the um work that we have been doing has actually um over a period of time. I think um TMR has actually provided advice over um upgrades on the um Bruce Highway over a period of time and the um reduction in um fatalities and serious injuries over that time and the impact that it's actually had. So we can get that information.
>> Okay, great. I've got some uh um more general questions on road fatalities. Is that in this section?
>> Road safety. Yeah, we can we actually do it in um >> outcome two. Okay, I can leave it till
then. I was going to transfer the call anyway to if I could