Building Queensland

Changes to Building Queensland’s operations

12 April 2019

Important operational amendments will be implemented enabling Building Queensland to drive greater efficiencies in developing robust business cases and advice to inform government decision-making.

Following yesterday’s proclamation of the Economic Development and Other Legislation Bill 2018, detailed business cases for road transport projects valued under $500 million (which do not include a toll road) will now be led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. This operational amendment recognises that business cases under this threshold usually form part of a larger program of road transport projects managed by the department. These business cases are typically lower in risk and complexity compared to other business cases led by Building Queensland.

Building Queensland will develop business cases for road transport projects over the $500 million threshold and continue to lead business cases for all other infrastructure projects valued over $100 million. This will help ensure Building Queensland’s efforts are directed to projects requiring Building Queensland’s leadership and expertise. With various stages of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program expected to fall under the $500 million threshold, Building Queensland will undertake assist roles in the development of the business cases in this program.

Another key change is the frequency of the Infrastructure Pipeline Report. The report will move from bi-annual to annual to align with the Queensland Budget. This will ensure budget priorities and developments are captured in the Infrastructure Pipeline Report. Building Queensland will continue to publish business case and cost benefit analysis summaries ensuring transparency and accountability in the Queensland Government’s decision-making.

Building Queensland’s immediate priorities will be to complete the detailed business cases underway. Having commenced the Centenary Bridge Upgrade, Building Queensland’s lead role in the development of this detailed business case will continue. Other business cases underway include the Cairns Convention Centre, Ipswich Hospital Redevelopment (Stage 1A), Nullinga Dam and Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme Improvements and Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment.

Looking forward, Building Queensland is updating the Business Case Development Framework to further align with lessons learned and contemporary national guidance. Updated guidance will be available in the second half of this year. Building Queensland is committed to partnering with agencies and industry to raise the level of expertise and capability in the development of business cases. Our Business Case Development Framework provides a strong basis to continue to build on this expertise.

View the Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019.