Funding needed to ease Moreton Bay “crisis”

Traffic and housing construction in Moreton Bay will grind to a halt unless Council gets funding in budget submissions to the State and Federal Governments, says Mayor Peter Flannery.

Congestion across the City of Moreton Bay is already at crisis levels, while planned homes cannot be delivered without new and upgraded roads, he said.

“We’ve literally hit a fork in the road,” says Mayor Flannery. “Without serious road investment from the State and Federal Governments, traffic will come to a standstill and there will be no connections to areas earmarked for tens of thousands of homes.”

Council’s priorities are:

• Federal and State funding and commitment to deliver the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (aka Moreton Motorway) by 2032. It is currently estimated for 2041.

• $25 million from each government over three years to complete design and preconstruction for the Buchanan Rd Overpass and duplication. This will be a major arterial connecting state roads and the Highway as well as unlocking housing sooner at Waraba and North Harbour.

• Funding for open level crossing “treatments and removals”. Moreton Bay currently has seven open level crossings including Pumicestone Rd, Mackie Rd/Boundary Rd and South Pine Rd.

• $14 million for flood-preventing stormwater upgrades at Caboolture to unlock 400 new homes, and funding for the Scarborough Drainage improvements for 510 new dwellings and protect existing residents.

• Supportive housing, with Council seeking collaborative solutions to address homelessness and housing security in the City.

• $10 million for upgrades at James Drysdale Reserve, Bunya.

• $8 million to deliver a new baseball clubhouse and amenities at Kippa-Ring's Talobilla Park.

• And contributions towards a $16 million upgrade of the Queensland State Equestrian Centre, at Caboolture.

“When it comes to growth, all roads seem to lead to Moreton Bay but funding for critical infrastructure is lagging behind,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Our number one ask is for funding to fast-track the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, which will provide critical connections to growth areas that ease congestion and unlock housing for 100,000 new residents.”

“Council stands ready to do the heavy lifting and manage our rapid growth, but we must be properly resourced so we can deliver the infrastructure and services our community deserves,” Mayor Flannery said.

“I call on the State and Federal governments for a serious and realistic recognition of City of Moreton Bay’s growth. We must receive adequate funding to meet the current and future needs of our City.”

More details about key projects for Council can be found in the City of Tomorrow Advocacy Strategy on Council’s website.