In the wake of Covid-19, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner this week with the goal of fast-tracking infrastructure projects that are ‘shovel ready’, reports brisbanetimes.com.au. 

Details of projects that could be ready to commence in three to six months were the prime candidates that the federal government would be assessing; with the end goal to keep the economy moving and generate jobs. 

A letter from Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was sent to councillors this week. 

"Fast-tracking the delivery of critical road projects across Australia is key to driving jobs, strengthening the economy and getting people home sooner and safer," Mr McCormack wrote.

Cr Schrinner told the publication he welcomes this step from the federal government.

"We stand ready with projects that are shovel-ready, that can be fast-tracked, with federal support for a stimulus package, and we will be working closely with the federal government to make sure that funding can flow as quickly as possible," Cr Schrinner said.

In local development news, the construction of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge which is part of the $3.8 billion Queens Wharf development has commenced. The $100 million project will be the first bridge built in Brisbane for over ten years, and will link part of the new development to the CBD. 

Hannah Schuhmann said it’s no doubt we are in for tough times ahead but we are fortunate here in Brisbane we already have considerable development projects underway to continue to support the economy. Queensland Infrastructure investment is already at a staggering $50 billion. We need to implement government advice, support small business, remain positive, and most importantly, be kind to each other.

There’s no denying Brisbane is experiencing a huge boom in major construction. Take a drive or walk through the city and you see the progress. 

Brisbanedevelopment.com have released their Top 15 Major Projects of 2020 and the list is impressive. The major construction projects that are currently underway, or in the pipeline shows a city that is well on its way to monumental transformation into a World City. 

The publication has listed the below 15 major projects, in order of impact the project will have on the city, not the dollar value. 

1. Brisbane Live. The flagship inclusion in the $2 billion Brisbane Live development proposal is a 18,000 seat entertainment arena, plus the Roma Street Precinct which is set to rival the United States of America's LA Live Complex. This complex would be the most connected piece of infrastructure out of this list; underground rail and bus connections, as well as surface level connecting to current rail network. 
2.  Queen’s Wharf development. The $3.6 billion development will cover 26 hectares across land and water which includes a casino, hotels, 50 new bars, cafes and restaurants, and parklands.
3.  Cross River Rail. The $6.8 billion project will include a 10.2km railway from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, including 5.9km of tunnels running under the CBD and Brisbane River and four underground stations.  The project is expected to be operational in 2024, and will create 7,700 jobs throughout the construction phase.
4.  Woolloongabba Station. Refurbishment of the Gabba stadium with connections to a new mixed-use precinct near the station. 
5.  Brisbane Metro. $944 million high frequency busway which will include a fleet of 60 electric buses. Each vehicle can carry 150 passengers or 180 in event mode. The service will run along dedicated busways and operate 24-hours on the weekend.
6.  Victoria Park. The concept plan has been derived from 5400 ideas from the public along with advice from experts, and features many elements including; 1.4 h­ectare lake, wetlands, boardwalks, sports facilities, urban farm, children’s park and water facilities, and various cultural elements. 
7.  River Reach Masterplan. Draft plans are in place to upgrade 1.2 kilometres of waterfront in the eastern CBD.
8.  Brisbane Waterfront. A $2.1 billion plan to redevelop Eagle Street Pier.
9.  Green Bridges. Four new pedestrian bridges have been proposed. The Kangaroo Point to CBD cycle and pedestrian bridge is the first to progress, current at the business case stage.
10.  New Runway at Brisbane Airport. Due to open in July this year. The site is 360 hectares with the new runway being 3.3km long.
11.  Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. The $158 million new terminal will ensure larger, and greater numbers of ships can dock in Brisbane.
12.  Brisbane Quarter. Three tower project which includes the newly opened W Hotel. 
13.  443 Queen Street. Currently in construction phase for a new 51-storey tower.
14.  West Village. Mixed-use urban renewal development in West End. The residential element has been completed, with the retail element now under construction. 
15.  New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV). $150 million addition to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) management portfolio that will include a 1500-1700 seat theatre.  

Hannah Schuhmann said we are on the cusp of a development jackpot here in Brisbane. Couple this with predicted population increases and you have a prime property investment location. Quality CBD apartments in great locations are still great value, but this surely won’t last. Be sure to attend out Twilight inspections tonight (Thursday) at 5-5.30pm at ‘Felix,’ and 6-6.30pm at ‘212 on Margaret.’

We all knew it was imminent, and now Brisbane Airport Corporation has made the exciting announcement that the open date for the highly anticipated second runway will be Sunday, 12 July this year, reports brisbanedevelopment.com.au.

The discussions for the new runway begun nearly half a century ago, with the actual physical construction taking eight years.  It is expected the project will come in $200 million under the original budgeted figure of $1.1 billion. 

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer told the publication the opening announcement was a massive milestone for our city. 

“I am proud to have been part of an iconic project that will transform and provide unlimited opportunities for our city, region and state.

“It’s surreal to think we are just months away from seeing the first aircraft land and depart on this infrastructure masterpiece.

“The new runway is so much more than asphalt; it is an enabler for growth across all facets, with an estimated 7,800 new jobs created by 2035 and an additional five billion in annual economic benefit to the region,” said Mr de Graaff.

A 5.5km fun run and a community open day will be held in coming months to commemorate the success of the project. 

Hannah Schuhmann said with direct flights to San Francisco, Chicago and the Philippines, and also increased capacity to bring more freight in and out of Brisbane, we expect a flow on effect for businesses to expand and ultimately boost our economy. 

An undersupply of apartments is looming for Brisbane with apartment completions this year expected to be the lowest since 2013, reports theurbandeveloper.com.au.

Brisbane is tipped to the be the first east coast city to experience this undersupply. Over the past two years apartment completions have dropped by nearly half. With regards to apartments being commenced; 2,100 were commenced in 2019, which was a decrease from the 5,100 commenced in 2018. 

In 2016, the number of apartments completed in Brisbane was 11,100 and 10,800 in 2017. 

Brisbane needs approximately 23,000 additional dwellings each year to keep up with current predicted growth rates. 

Property advisory group Charter Keck Cramer announced the undersupply could be felt around the nation by 2022 which would be largely due to reduced construction activity and population growth. 

Moody’s Analytics have predicted the Brisbane CBD apartment market will “outperform the rest of the nation over the next two years,” forecasting growth of 5.8% growth in 2020, reported realestate.com.au last year.

Hananh Schuhmann said the impending undersupply of apartments signals a likely ‘step up’ in market values for second hand units. There is excellent value-for-money in the CBD with established apartments in great locations. New and ‘off the plan’ units are already selling for 15-20% more than existing stock. The Lexicon complex on Ann Street which will only be 15 minutes walk to the new Queen’s Wharf development, has 2 bed, 2 bath plus a car space for under $500k. Get in now before the before the lack of stock pushes prices up!

Hold on tight; the latest fly-through of the BNE Auto Mall has been released and it’s impressive! 

The $300 million development is being ‘driven’ by Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) and is the largest non-aviation project the airport has ever undertaken. 

Upon anticipated completion in 2022, the site will be a multi-purpose, auto-lovers dream which will include; 20+ auto retail outlets and dealerships with brands including AP Eager and Sci-Fleet and their wide range of brands, a 2.3km performance track designed Mark Skaife as the centre piece, conference and event facilities, hotel, entertainment complex and offices. 

ASX-listed car dealer, AP Eagers CEO, Martin Ward told GoAutoNews Premium the new hub is going to be a very attractive location for dealers, and the company has taken up a lease to showcase 12 of their brands. 

“Effectively, with the way retailing is going to change over the next 50 years, that hub can serve probably the whole of Brisbane,” said Mr Ward.

Since the inception of development in 2017, the project has so far cleared the entire 51.3 hectare site adjacent to the international terminal between Moreton and Airport Drives and Nancy Bird Way, and distributed 700,000 cubic metres of fill around the site (with approx. 15% of this fill being used from the Queen’s Wharf Development excavation). 

View the fly-through: https://youtu.be/41K-tLBBEJI 

Hannah Schuhmann said this development will make Brisbane Airport stand out from the crowd. With the new runway and the $40 redevelopment of the domestic terminal that includes new food hall and retail outlets to open this year, Brisbane Airport is going from strength to strength; giving tourists more reasons to visit, plus adding new direct flights from San Francisco, Chicago and Tokyo.