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Queensland’s Major Projects Pipeline Report Released

  • Writer: Tahnia Miller
    Tahnia Miller
  • Nov 10
  • 2 min read

The 2025 QMPPR is the definitive guide to the major engineering and infrastructure projects in Queensland over the next decade, with a special focus on the next five years to 2029/30.


Highlights & Key Numbers


  • The five-year pipeline: $127.5 billion, up from $103.9 billion in 2024, including Games Infrastructure.

  • Funded projects total $78.1 billion, up 21.7% from 2024.

  • Unfunded works now represent $49.4 billion (38.7 % of the total pipeline).

  • Cost escalation remains high: expected construction cost increases of 6-8% annually through to 2028.

  • Workforce demand will escalate: engineering-construction worker numbers must rise from ~26,000 in FY26 to nearly 41,000 by FY30.


What’s Driving the Growth


The breadth of projects includes major programs across transport (roads, bridges, rail), energy transition, water infrastructure, defence, and the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games infrastructure.


For example, the roads & bridges sector saw the biggest lift in funded work (up ~$6 billion, largely due to the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade).


The pipeline also highlights the role of the private sector, especially in mining, heavy industry and resources-related infrastructure, in filling funding gaps and generating capacity.


Key Risks to Delivery


  • Skills & labour capacity: The demand leap for workers is unprecedented; shortages in trades, engineering, and site management are already pressing.

  • Cost escalation vs productivity decline: With costs forecast to rise above 7% and productivity falling, affordability is at risk.

  • Unfunded projects & procurement lag: A high number of major works remain unfunded, and delays in procurement and approvals could stall delivery.

  • Regional and sector variation: Regions outside South-East Queensland, specifically Townsville, Mackay–Isaac–Whitsunday and Fitzroy, face the highest proportion of unfunded work.


What This Means


For those in engineering, construction, infrastructure supply chain or consulting, the message is clear:


  • Opportunity is abundant: A rarely seen volume of major project work is showing up.

  • Focus on productivity and adaptability: Firms that can deliver on cost, schedule, quality and can scale with labour demand will be better positioned.

  • Regional focus counts: Don’t wait only for South-East corridors, the risk and opportunity in regional Queensland are both significant.


Dive Deeper



Final Thoughts


Queensland’s major project pipeline has shifted into high gear. The scale, diversity and volume of work ahead are substantial, but they come with challenges.


For industry players who prepare now, sharpen delivery capability and align with the trends, the next five to ten years could be a golden era of opportunity.


If you want to discuss the future pipeline of projects, or you’re looking to grow your team, get in touch with 4020 Consult for a chat.

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