Megaproject challenges in urban transformation: Implications for Brisbane and South East Queensland

Megaprojects, typically costing more than $1 billion, are transforming urban landscapes worldwide, with massive building and infrastructure endeavours such as hotels, sporting arenas, convention centres, highways, railways, airports, and redevelopment of underutilised urban land. These projects often involve multiple global and national stakeholders attracting transnational investments.

Although megaprojects can contribute to innovation and productivity, they also present many planning challenges impacting the economy, society, and environment. Some of the projects face uncertainties, cost overruns, community
opposition and long-term delays.

What is the multifaceted nature of megaprojects in Southeast Queensland and their driving forces for development? What are these large projects' critical planning and development challenges and their likely impacts on the city? The paper will examine these questions and briefly look at the Queen's Wharf Brisbane as an example to illustrate the challenges and implications of megaprojects in the urban transformation of the region.