Minister: ‘I understand the challenges’

Planning for population growth in the City of Moreton Bay and creating necessary infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics were key topics of conversation when Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg met with Mayor Peter Flannery this week.

The pair caught up while Minister Mickelberg was in the city on April 23. He visited Bribie Island to see firsthand why a second bridge is needed, inspect upgrades along Bribie Island Rd and hear why driver safety education is needed on the beach.

During a wide-ranging interview with Moreton Daily, Minister Mickelberg acknowledged the challenges facing such a fast-growing city in South East Queensland.

“We (the Mayor and I) had a good conversation in relation to the broader priorities across the City of Moreton Bay. The reality is we’re going to have a considerable piece of work that will upgrade public transport right across the southeast – whether that’s buses or more frequent rail,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“I’m from the Sunshine Coast … I use the same rail line for example and the same roads that many residents in Moreton (Bay) use as well. I understand the challenges.

“We need to ensure we are getting the projects finished that are already in works – projects like Cross River Rail. That project impacts residents from the City of Moreton Bay and the reason is because the train line is on the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines and that means while that project is not finished, it’s going to reduce capacity and create disruption.

“We’re also committed to boosting bus services. It’s one of the reasons that we made 50 cent fares permanent.

“We recognise that we need to provide an opportunity for people who choose to use public transport to do so and that will take vehicles off roads like the Bruce (Highway). That’s an important measure for all commuters, not just those who choose to use public transport.

“We also need to build the infrastructure, whether that’s upgrades to the Gateway (Motorway), or the Bruce (Highway) or other key roads. New growth areas obviously need to be supported, from a planning perspective, and that was a big part of the conversation I had yesterday … how do we support the growth expected to occur within the City of Moreton Bay.”

Minister Mickelberg said he was committed to working collaboratively with council but pointed out that development west of Caboolture would be co-ordinated by the Deputy Premier and his office.

“My department, Transport and Main Roads, will be working closely with the Deputy Premier’s department and council to ensure the solutions we deliver … last and deliver the capability we need for the longer term, but are also delivered in a timely fashion and reflect the concerns of the community.”

Scarborough Harbour Masterplan update

Minister Mickelberg said a review of the Scarborough Harbour Masterplan is continuing.

The master plan was unveiled just before last year’s State Government Election, after three years of planning and consultation, but a review was ordered after the change of Government.

“Along with Kerri-Anne Dooley, I’ve met with a number of the key stakeholders from the harbour whether that be businesses, local residents or community groups,” he explains.

“I’ve also committed to heading out there to have a look on the ground to ensure we deliver a solution that reflects the community’s concerns and addresses some of the longer standing issues that have been in place there.

“That work is continuing and Kerri-Anne has been a pretty forceful advocate in relation to that particular project for her community. We understand how important that particular project and piece of infrastructure is to the community.”

Beach driving safety

Minister Mickelberg also hit the beach at Bribie Island with State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan and the father of Harrison Payne who was 18 years old when he died in a 4WD crash at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, in May 2021.

Harrison’s family has since established The Harrison Payne initiative, which promotes road safety in beach driving, particularly for young drivers.

“We’re going to see how we can work together to enhance the messaging around road safety and use the tragic circumstances around Harrison’s death to ensure other young people in particular and other road users on the beach are aware of what they should be doing,” Minister Mickelberg said.