Queensland’s Infrastructure Spending to Drive Debt to $188 Billion by 2027, Treasurer Confirms

A reduction in royalties and a $96 billion infrastructure pipeline means more government borrowing will be needed.

Queensland Parliament House in downtown Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 19, 2013 Wikimedia Commons CC

Queensland will be $188 billion (US$121 billion) in debt by 2027, Treasurer Cameron Dick has confirmed, blaming it on a reduction in royalties from coal and a decrease in Queensland’s share of GST.

This debt figure surpasses even that of Victoria, which faced severe criticism for its substantial debt burden. Victorian debt is expected to reach $177.8 billion in 2027.