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Queensland’s transport infrastructure is a vital component of the state’s development, with several key highways, rail services, and airports linking major cities and regional areas. The state is served by an extensive network of National Highways, particularly in South East Queensland, which includes the M1 freeway. Managed by the Department of Transport & Main Roads, this network includes key public transport options like taxis, buses, and local aviation services, ensuring ease of travel across the region.
Queensland Rail is responsible for the principal rail services connecting major centers on the east of the Great Dividing Range, while freight rail services are mainly operated by Aurizon and Pacific National. The state’s seaports, including the Port of Brisbane (Australia’s third busiest by goods value), are crucial for both domestic and international trade, with major coal export facilities at Hay Point, Gladstone, and Abbot Point. Queensland is also a major player in the sugar export industry, with significant export facilities in Lucinda and Mackay.
Air travel is well-served by Brisbane Airport, the state’s primary international and domestic gateway and the third busiest in Australia. Other international airports, such as the Gold Coast Airport, Cairns International Airport, and Townsville Airport, cater to a wide range of travelers. Regional airports across Queensland, including those in Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast, ensure access to both domestic and international destinations.
Public transport in South East Queensland is managed by Translink, offering an integrated system with bus, rail, light rail, and ferry services, all centrally coordinated from Brisbane. The Queensland Rail City network operates over 152 stations along 13 suburban rail lines, while Brisbane’s bus network, including the dedicated bus rapid transit (busway) system, connects the city with its surrounding areas. The popular CityCat ferry service operates along the Brisbane River, providing efficient transport across the city’s heart. The Gold Coast is served by the G:link light rail system, Queensland's only light rail network.
The state’s transport infrastructure is set to be further enhanced with the ongoing development of the Cross River Rail, a metro network aimed at improving connectivity in Brisbane. This project, integral to preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games, will offer fast, sustainable electric train services across the city, revolutionizing urban mobility and reducing congestion.
In parallel, Queensland’s health services are also evolving to meet the needs of its growing population. The state’s public health system, managed by Queensland Health, operates 16 regional Health and Hospital Services that deliver healthcare across the state. Major hospitals, including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and the Queensland Children's Hospital, provide critical services in Brisbane, while regional facilities like the Townsville University Hospital and Cairns Hospital ensure access to quality care in the broader regions.
This combined focus on transport and health infrastructure reflects Queensland’s commitment to growth and quality of life for its residents, making the state an attractive destination for both living and business.