BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 1 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development

The Honourable Dale Last

Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Brent Mickelberg

* The Crisafulli Government is launching a major procurement to deliver up to 630 new buses across Queensland. * Modern, fully accessible buses will replaceageing vehicles, delivering smoother, more reliable journeys. * The first new buses are expected on the road from the 2027-28 financial year. * The Better Bus Build is part of theCrisafulli Government's plan to deliver the roads, infrastructure, and public transport networkneededfor a growing populationafteradecade of decline under Labor. * TheCrisafulli Government is deliveringmore jobs andbetter services through a stronger economy.

The Crisafulli Government isdeliveringmore jobs andbetter services through a stronger economy andgetting on with the job of delivering a modern bus fleet to keepSouthEastQueensland moving.

This investmentwill deliver 630 new buses across Queensland andreplace ageing vehicles,boost reliability, improve accessibilityandensure the network keeps pace with a fast-growingState.

TheBetter Bus Buildwill provide the vehicles needed tomaintainservice continuity across theState while creating a pipeline of work for industry and strengthening the capability of Queensland's transport network.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering the roads, infrastructure, and public transport network needed for a growing population, after a decade of decline under Labor.

Coming at the start ofQueensland Manufacturing Month, manufacturers,assemblersand suppliers will be asked todemonstratehow government investment can support jobs, skills and industrial capability while delivering the greatest value for taxpayers.

AfterLaborfailed todelivera workable plan to replace Queensland's aging bus fleet andproperlyinvest ingrowing the public transport network, the Crisafulli Governmentis acting todeliverthe upgradesto support a growing population.

Combined withtheLNP'sPermanent 50 Cent Fares locked-in law,this is a game-changing investment to make public transport more affordable, morereliableand more accessible for Queenslanders.

The first of the newbusesis expected to hit the road inthe 2027-28financial year.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said theCrisafulli Government wastransforming public transport to deliver what Queenslanders need now and into the future.

"Queensland is growing and we're working to deliver the roadand transportupgrades to getQueenslandershome soonerand safer,"Minister Mickelbergsaid.  

"Labor's plan to replace Queensland's bus fleet was a fanciful pipedream, with nogrounding in reality.

"Their half-baked plan involved buying electric buses, but no plans, or money, for the recharging facilities or additional depots to support the fleet expansion - in other words, all they were doing was buying big, expensive paperweights to block local streets.

"By contrast,we'redeliveringa record investment into transportinfrastructure, including up to 630 new buses, The Wave, Mooloolah River Interchange, the Light Rail Extension, the GC Surfer, and Bruce Highway upgrades funded 80:20 with the Commonwealth.

"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering the roads, infrastructure, and public transport network for a growing population and we're making it more accessible than ever withPermanent 50 Cent Fares locked-in law"

Minister for ManufacturingDale Last said theCrisafulli Government wasdelivering more jobs and investment to superchargetheindustry.

"Queensland has a proud manufacturing industry with the skills, capability and experience to play an important role in delivering ourState's future transport needs," Minister Last said.

"We want to see Queenslandmanufacturerswell positioned to seize the opportunities that come from our growingState and the significant investment being made in its future.

"This is about backing local industry while building the infrastructure that will keep Queensland moving for decades to come."

Member for Redlands Rebecca Young saidas the Redlands continued to grow, the investment would support greater connectivity anda better customer experience.

"As the Redlands grows, transport connectivity is more important than ever," Ms Young said.

"These new buses will support these enhanced connections, andthe more modern fleet willdeliver a better experiencefor people getting around theRedlands orheading into Brisbane."

Member for Capalaba Russell Field said the bus fleet would support local jobs.

"Capalaba is home tomuch of the Redlands' bus fleetwith our local depotand these newbuses will support jobslocally andacross theStateandhelp strengthen the capability of our transport network," Mr Field said.

ENDS



MEDIA CONTACTS:



Minister Mickelberg: Brendan Morris,0428 962 414



Minister Last: Tom Daunt, 0487 151 453

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.