QLD Branch Event: SEQ City Deals and People Mass Movement Study
The QLD AITPM branch and SMEC held their annual breakfast event in the Brisbane City Hall. The breakfast event was very successful, attracting the highest attendance to date.
Speakers included Scott Smith, Council of Mayors (SEQ) CEO, and Jason van Paassen, Manager Transport Planning, Logistics and Analytics (QLD/NT) SMEC.
Jason presented the findings from the People Mass Movement Study (PMMS), which provided the basis for the South East Queensland (SEQ) Transport Infrastructure Strategy and Olympics Bid Feasibility Study. The expected growth of SEQ, estimated at 5.2 million population in 2041, will present challenges for the region. The study identified 47 critical major infrastructure projects to provide connectivity in a 45-minute smart region – connecting Brisbane and major centres. The projects included faster rail links from Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Gold Coast to Brisbane, as well as AV-ready roads.
Scott spoke on the SEQ City Deal and its deliverables for 2020 and beyond. The deal seeks to achieve common outcomes for the region. The commitment between Federal, State and Local Governments will ensure a 20-year investment that aims to balance growth, liveability and affordability. The progress on the deal looks promising; with all levels of Government signing a statement of intent, with hopes to ensure positive long-term economic, social and environment outcomes for the region. The audience expressed keen interest in the topics by continuing discussions in the closing Q&A and networking sessions.
