Qld budget hits accelerator on transport spend

RACQ23/06/2026
News
RACQ has welcomed the Queensland Government’s $56 billion commitment to transport infrastructure in its 2026-27 budget to combat growing pains.
Qld Transport
Executive Manager Road Safety Joshua Cooney said the level of investment should give Queenslanders confidence and is a significant step forward to keep the State moving.
 
“Queensland’s been playing catch-up, but today’s Budget helps us tackle the enormous pressures we have on the transport system,” Mr Cooney said. 
 
“The transport infrastructure spend over the next four years is 34% larger than it was last budget – it’s a major uplift to maintain and upgrade the road and public transport network.”
 
RACQ said a standout measure was the boost to road maintenance funding, which will increase from $5.6 billion to $6.6 billion over the next four years. 
 
Mr Cooney said this extra funding was a key callout in the Club’s budget submission.
 
“Road maintenance isn’t the most glamorous area of investment, but it’s absolutely critical for safety, particularly for regional roads dealing with heavy use and extreme weather,” he said.
 
The Club was also pleased to see this budget fast-track upgrades on the Bruce Highway to have the work finished earlier than 2032.
 
“We’ve long advocated for a better Bruce Highway and it’s good to see the State getting on with the task of fixing this critical road which is vital to our regional economy,” Mr Cooney said.
 
RACQ also welcomed a significant increase in bus infrastructure funding, noting buses will play a critical role in managing congestion in South East Queensland as the population grows.
 
“Buses have long been the backbone of our public transport system but have not received the level of investment they deserve,” Mr Cooney said.
 
“This funding is an important start, but we are coming from a long way back and continued focus will be needed to make buses a more attractive and effective option for commuters.”
 
Mr Cooney said although Bruce Highway upgrades were a priority safety measure, the Club will continue its calls for a $100 million boost to the Targeted Road Safety Program.
 
“For motorists, increased investment means safer intersections, more safety barriers and upgrades to high-risk roads, which ultimately reduce crashes and the devastating fallout,” he said.
 
RACQ also called for greater clarity on how increased police recruitment would translate into stronger enforcement on Queensland roads.
 
“We know enforcement is one of the biggest factors in changing dangerous behaviour, but we could not see clear detail in the budget about how a larger police force will deliver more visible road policing and more RBTs,” Mr Cooney said.
 
RACQ reiterated its support for major projects, including the Coomera Connector, describing it as an essential piece of infrastructure that must be delivered in full.
 
“It’s fantastic that stage one is progressing, but it’s crucial both levels of government continue working together to deliver the next stage for a growing region.”
 
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