$700m pledge for new bridge to Bribie

Plans for a new Bribie Island Bridge today received a $700 million commitment from the current State Government – if it is re-elected in October.

Premier Steven Miles, Treasurer Cameron Dick and Member for Pumicestone Ali King made the pledge on a windswept foreshore at Bongaree.

The new bridge would provide two lanes going onto Bribie with the existing bridge, built in 1963, used for traffic leaving the island.

There would also be a “dedicated active transport path for bike riders, pedestrians and mobility devices”.

Designs and public consultation on the proposal have been done. A business case is now being prepared.

However, Premier Miles has already pledged $700 million in new borrowings to fund the bridge.

“Extensive community consultation has already shown Bribie Island locals and visitors understand the need to plan for the future,” the Premier said.

“We know when there is an incident on the bridge, traffic backs up and people cannot get on and off the island.

“This duplicated bridge is all about doing what matters for Bribie. Bribie needs a new access bridge.”

State Member Ali King said it would be a “top priority for a re-elected government”.

She said the community is “concerned about access, safety and congestion around the existing bridge, especially when traffic incidents occur”.

“A new bridge for Bribie Island has been talked about for many years and I’m very proud to be part of a government committed to deliver it."

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said it is the “first election commitment of the 2024 (election) campaign”.

“To date we’ve invested $4m in planning for the duplication of the bridge,” he said, “We will duplicate the bridge if re-elected.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish, said the design is a “sustainable, flexible, and cost-effective solution, fully utilising the existing bridge to reduce the width, cost and impact associated with a new four-lane bridge.”

In response to today's announcement, the LNP claimed Labor was trying to match it's commitment to a Bribie Bridge a decade ago.

The LNP says Labor declared in 2020 a new bridge "wasn't a priority" and "upgrades weren't required until after 2031".

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP "will build a bridge to Bribie" and "give resident the confidence and security of a second bridge".