Motorway tops funding wish list

Funding for two huge road projects and housing top Moreton Bay’s wishlist ahead of tomorrow’s State Budget.

Mayor Peter Flannery is also calling for financial help with flood prevention in Caboolture and upgrades to three major sports precincts.

The wish list focuses on “funding for critical infrastructure and services to meet the everyday needs of our community”, he says

“I’ve consistently said while Council stands ready to do the heavy lifting and manage our population growth, we must be property resourced by other levels of government.”

Mayor Flannery on Council’s 2026-27 State Budget submission:

Bruce Highway Western Alternative (Moreton Motorway): Our highest priority is funding to fast-track the Bruce Highway Western Alternative.

This will reduce congestion on the Bruce Highway north-south corridor, provide critical access to growth areas and unlock housing supply for more than 100,000 new residents.

Buchanan Road Overpass – Investment and Corridor Upgrade (East-West Connections):

We need $25 million over three years to finish detailed design and preconstruction activities, including site investigations for Buchanan Rd Overpass and Duplication.

This will provide critical east-west connections across our road network, unlock housing for 80,000 people at Waraba and North Harbour and support thousands of local jobs.

Supportive housing solutions: We have called on the State Government to partner with Council and specialist homelessness services to develop collaborative solutions to address homelessness and housing insecurity.

We urgently need a tailored, supportive housing solution and shelter network.”

Financial assistance for SEQ Councils: The funding system for funding local government, largely ad hoc grants and short-term programs, is simply inadequate.

Councils need permanent, dependable funding. There are no guarantees the SEQ Community Stimulus Program, which fast-tracks infrastructure investment, will continue beyond 2027.

We have called on the State to deliver real reform and permanently fund this program at a minimum of $50 million per annum.

Caboolture Revitalisation: To bolster Caboolture’s role as a Principal Regional Activity centre in SEQ, we are seeking $14 million for flood-preventing stormwater upgrades.

This project has the potential to deliver an additional 400 additional dwellings as well as enhance employment and liveability opportunities.

Liveability projects: We have outlined liveability projects we can deliver in partnership with the State including upgrades at James Drysdale Reserve, improvements at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre and a new clubhouse and amenities at Kippa-Ring's Talobilla Park.

Mayor Flannery added: “We are hopeful Council’s ongoing advocacy and partnership approach and collaborative attitude will deliver State funding that addresses the growth pressures detailed in our City of Tomorrow Advocacy Strategy.”