If Queensland gets nothing, population summit just a 'talkfest': Trad
Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad has warned a meeting to discuss managing population growth with the federal government could be just another "Canberra talkfest".
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met with his state and territory counterparts in Canberra on Friday morning to discuss how the nation could share responsibility for population change.
"Two-thirds of new immigrants are going to our capital cities, in particular Sydney, Melbourne and in south-east Queensland," he said in his opening remarks at the meeting.
"This is creating pressures on infrastructure, not only on our roads but also on our public transport, creating pressures on health, on education and other essential services."
Before the meeting, Ms Trad said the Palaszczuk government was doing the heavy lifting to maintain the great lifestyle every new Queenslander expected.
"It's well past time for the coalition to come to the table," she said.
Queensland's population hit 5 million in May 2018.
In the past 25 years, Queensland had the highest population growth of any state.
By 2041, Queensland's population will have grown to between 6.5 million and 7.9 million people.
"We need a real commitment to our growing needs in health and education and the resolution of outstanding issues with national partnerships in early childhood, public dental care, remote housing and skills," Ms Trad said.
"NSW and Victoria have had $9.8 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, committed for public transport projects [but] Queensland has been dudded, with not a cent towards the critical Cross River Rail project.
"If this meeting doesn't result in genuine outcomes for Queensland it'll be clear it's just another Canberra talkfest."
The Palaszczuk government pledged it would fully fund the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail in the 2017 budget.
- with AAP