Queensland’s retail property sector will remain stalled following Premier Bligh’s announcement of a new infrastructure charges regime that will do little to unlock major development projects.

“This is a blow for shopping centre owners and will do little to revive the construction sector”, said Angus Nardi, Deputy Director of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia.

Mr Nardi said his council has provided the government with specific details of how stalled development projects could be revived and also shown the economic benefits that would flow from unlocking 10 identified stalled retail projects valued at over $2 billion.

“Getting these projects started would deliver over 14,400 jobs,” he said.

However, Mr Nardi thinks the analysis and benefits seem to have been ignored.

“These projects don’t have financing issues – any financing issues are a direct result of the massive imposts from infrastructure charges and conditions,” he said.

“The government has also failed to reign in its own agencies, including the DTMR, who are getting out of control with conditions and the level of imposts.”

“Premier Bligh has committed to investigate a new assessment vehicle to deal with major projects. This is welcome but it must have a clear objective of kick-starting stalled investments.”

“The government must understand that you can’t tax industry to the ground and still expect economic growth.”

“Queensland’s approach contrasts with that of Victoria, which deliberately sets infrastructure charges at a level which creates economic development and creates jobs.”

“Our members want to invest more in Queensland and we want to work with the government to ensure this occurs.”