IPWEAQ ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2019 Welcome

Message from the Mayor of Brisbane

The city of Brisbane is thrilled to host the 2019 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Conference. Over the past 14 years, I have seen Brisbane truly transform into a New World City and have overseen major projects, including Legacy Way and New Farm Riverwalk, that have changed the landscape of Brisbane for the better. Brisbane is a city with boundless opportunity and, as Lord Mayor, I remain focussed on building the critical infrastructure our city needs, while protecting our unique lifestyle and expanding Brisbane’s green space.

Brisbane is the best city in the world so it’s not surprising that we are experiencing unparalleled growth. Our $171 billion economy is on track to grow to more than $217 billion by 2031. That same year, our population is expected to have grown by 23% to nearly three million people. Infrastructure development is part of our vision to grow the Brisbane lifestyle and we are investing record amounts into new infrastructure while maintaining the high quality of our existing assets to ensure Brisbane remains a great place to live, work and relax.

We have a plan aimed at tackling traffic congestion, improving public and active transport as well as creating a healthier, more active city. Brisbane Metro is shovel ready and will halve travel times to ensure residents get home quicker and safer. We are investigating a much-needed travel action plan for residents in Brisbane’s north west and continue to operate Australia’s biggest bus fleet. We are also enhancing cross-river connectivity with our plan for five new green bridges and are close to introducing Brisbane’s first doubledecker City Cat.

Brisbane’s fantastic lifestyle means more time spent relaxing, dining and being outdoors in our beautiful climate. We’ve recently finished redeveloping the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves and it has become a world-class waterfront destination. We’re also spearheading the Victoria Park Vision to transform the existing golf course into the biggest new park Brisbane has seen in 50 years.

Exciting developments such as Cross River Rail, Queen’s Wharf and a second airport runway are also bolstering Brisbane’s reputation as a world-class destination while ensuring the Brisbane of tomorrow is even better than the Brisbane of today.

I look forward to seeing what inspiring and illuminating ideas come from the 2019 IPWEAQ Conference and wish you a fantastic time in Brisbane.

Adrian Schrinner Mayor Brisbane City