And the favourite is … Option 1

Option 1 might be more expensive but it’s the overwhelming preference to flood-proof Youngs Crossing, according to results released today from the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s community consultation.

Mayor Peter Flannery has this morning taken the unusual step of asking Council to release the preliminary data before formal consideration after a remarkable 4353 responses.

He says the vote was about rebuilding trust with the Moreton Bay community.

One winner

“The overall response rate showed 67 per cent of respondents favoured Option 1,” says the Mayor.

“That endorsement was even higher among people who live in Petrie with 78.6 per cent of people supporting Option 1.

“After walking the respective routes on a number of occasions with Petrie residents and visiting a number of homes, I’ve seen first-hand how their homes and lifestyles would be impacted.”

Option One – is based on the existing Youngs Crossing Rd corridor. Estimated cost $49.5 million; length 940m including 160m bridge. Needs require State Government-controlled Dayboro Rd to be upgraded, bringing the total cost to $67.5million. 

Option Two - uses the road reserve south of Andrew Petrie Drive to link with Dayboro Rd-Beeville Rd roundabout. Estimated cost $56.1 million; length 1340m including 180m bridge. Land preserved by former Pine Rivers Shire Council for use.

“It’s resoundingly clear there’s a lot of community interest in this project and a lot of anxiety in the community about what will happen.

“I want to thank Councillors for permitting the release of this information to reassure the community that they are being heard from the outset.

“This enormous response rate reflects the anxiety our community feels about this project right now and I think there’s enough anxiety in the world right now with the pandemic –

“I don’t want locals having to wait until the New Year for an indication of what the engagement process has gleaned.”

One of the residents Shelley Taylor says; "We’re really pleased and grateful for the transparency council is showing on this issue, and we are very encouraged by the figures showing a preference for Option 1, which we believe is the best for residents and the whole community."

Funding call

The Mayor said the cost of the project – which could be more than $60 million - needed to be discussed as council could not go it alone. Council has budgeted $40 million.

“While I want to acknowledge and thank the Federal Government for their $7.75 million contribution, that funding is tied to Option 1,” says the Mayor.

“We know both options will cost more than council has the funding for. We need a lot more from the state and federal governments before we any shovels can hit the ground.”

A new Youngs Crossing Bridge is seen as critical for South East Queensland’s road and transport network to prevent traffic congestion on Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway, when Youngs Crossing floods.

Huge project

“In fact, Infrastructure Australia updated its priority list for 2020 in August to specifically include the need for more efficient transport corridors between Moreton Bay and Brisbane - like building Youngs Crossing Bridge.

“This will be one of the biggest road infrastructure projects Council has ever been responsible for delivering, as a critical link in the South East Queensland road network.

Today’s vote does not pre-empt council’s decision on a preferred option.

Council is expected to formally resolve its preferred option for the upgrade of Youngs Crossing Road in the coming months.

There’s more news here