Brisbane’s boom: Powered by growth and infrastructure

The Brisbane Commercial Real Estate markets have benefited from momentum across the economy, with strong infrastructure development and population growth.

Brisbane’s population has grown faster than other major Australian capital over the past decade, driven by strong interstate migration, and its economy has the fastest growth of the capital cities since 2021. Queensland’s economic momentum is set to continue, with forecasts projecting stronger economic and population growth than national averages over the coming years. By 2046, the South East Queensland region is projected to be home to 6 million people – making it larger than Sydney or Melbourne are today.

As the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games draws nearer, this momentum is expected to continue with $202 billion of infrastructure projects either under construction or committed. These transportation infrastructure projects will deliver immediate benefits for industrial and logistics operators enhancing connectivity between critical commercial areas.

Major projects include the 224-hectare Future Port Expansion at the Port of Brisbane, further expanding the ports unrivalled access to the Asia-Pacific enabling faster, more cost-effective trade. Shipping to Tokyo is quicker and more affordable from Brisbane than other major Australian capitals, with export-focused businesses set to benefit from the further port expansion as they access these lucrative trading regions (47% of global trade and 60% of the world’s population). Exports are forecast to rise 3.5% pa to 2031, outpacing the rest of Australia.

Other major projects include the $5 billion expansion of Brisbane Airport, which already operates 24/7 and has the largest runway capacity of any Australian capital city. The Pacific Motorway M1, one of Australia’s busiest highways and national freight routes, has a program of extensive upgrades and widening, delivering improved efficiencies across supply chains. Enhanced national freight and supply chain capabilities will also be supported by the Inland Rail project, a 1,600km freight rail line connecting Brisbane and Melbourne.

These large-scale infrastructure projects will generate jobs growth across both construction and operational phases, increasing demand for goods and services across the region.

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