Category Archives: Infrastructure

NBN must have a big carbon footprint

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Gene Tunny

A report on the National Broadband Network (NBN) trial in Ipswich’s eastern suburbs (NBN revolution dawns) suggests the rollout of the NBN will be more difficult than expected. And it appears the network demands a lot of electricity, which means … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Ipswich | Leave a comment

Is upgrading regional racecourses a priority for Government investment?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Given the need to reduce State government debt and to restore our AAA credit rating, as well as the far more worthwhile infrastructure investment opportunities that are available, I’m surprised the Government has advanced Racing Queensland $20 million for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry policy, Infrastructure, Townsville | Tagged | Leave a comment

SEQ mayors’ infrastructure wish list

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors released its infrastructure wish list today. Two proposed projects stood out to me as representing great value. My favourite proposed project is the: Darra to Springfield Rail Extension (to Redbank Plains) ESTIMATED COST: … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane, Infrastructure, Ipswich, Queensland Rail, Tourism | Leave a comment

Infrastructure Australia criticises State Governments for slow progress on reforms

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Infrastructure Australia’s latest report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) won’t give much comfort to people who hope our governments actually know what they’re doing when it comes to building the roads, railways and ports we need for the … Continue reading →

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Rates to rise $60 p.a. due to infrastructure charges cap

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Gene Tunny

As reported in today’s Townsville Bulletin (State subsidy threat): The Local Government Association said the Government had handed developers a concession and rates would likely rise by $60 a year because councils would have to borrow more money to cover … Continue reading →

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Infrastructure charges reform good for developers, bad for ratepayers

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Government will set maximum standard charges (e.g. $28,000 for a 3+ bedroom house) that Councils can levy on developers for the provision of infrastructure to new developments. This is good for developers and new homebuyers, but potentially bad … Continue reading →

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A mobile phone tower in the palm of your hand – what could it mean for the NBN?

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Gene Tunny

If it’s not too late to abandon the $30 billion+ National Broadband Network (NBN), it may be worth doing so, given the rapid technological advances in ICT we’re seeing, such as lightRadio, which must significantly increase the risk that the … Continue reading →

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Queensland’s fiscal performance has slumped, but we’re still doing fine

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Gene Tunny

As was made clear when the Queensland Government lost its AAA credit rating in early 2009, our Government’s financial circumstances have deteriorated somewhat in recent years. A new report from the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), a conservative though non-partisan … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, Infrastructure, Population | Leave a comment

Cost of floods over $5 billion

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Gene Tunny

This is sobering news from Premier Anna Bligh (Flood recovery kicks into gear): If you count everything from the cost to homes, the home rebuilding effort, public infrastructure rebuilding effort and economic loss, I think we’re well above $5 billion … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Floods, Infrastructure, Mining | 1 Comment

Battle brewing over infrastructure charges

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Developers and Councils are waiting anxiously on the State Government to announce its reforms of infrastructure charges, which Councils impose on developers of new housing estates.  These charges result in higher new home prices, as developers pass these charges on … Continue reading →

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