"Show us the money" says Mayor

The State Government has been told its vision for the City of Moreton Bay is “not good enough” and “devoid of any meaningful public transport planning”.

Mayor Peter Flannery says, in a blunt message, plans in the State’s Draft SEQ Infrastructure Supplement are "not sufficient for our projected growth".

“The proposed infrastructure is not sufficient for our projected growth,” he says, “we can’t develop land for housing without infrastructure.

“By 2046, our population will be over 800,000 which is 300,000 more people living in our city compared to today.

“If we are to shoulder the bulk of the growth – the State Government needs to put its money where its mouth is because the truth is they haven’t been.”

The Mayor says a report commissioned by Council found, on a per capita basis, Moreton Bay is “consistently one of the lowest funded SEQ councils”.

Moreton Bay, the third largest council in Australia, is fifth for Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program funding.

“Almost half of the State’s transport expenditure in our area is for planning and maintenance,” the Mayor says.

“Moreton Bay is the lowest funded council in terms of investment in local road networks. Let’s build the roads, bridges, schools and housing as we grow.

"We don’t want to see money wasted on business cases and studies. That is bureaucratic delaying tactics ... and we are sick of them.”

Council's submission has 15 additional infrastructure projects including the Buchanan Rd Corridor Upgrade at Morayfield.

The Bruce Highway Western Alternative is included, but the Mayor says the State needs to “urgently super charge progress”.

“Council does not support the inclusion of Elimbah in the Urban Footprint at this stage,” he says.

“Waraba and Morayfield South (total 100,000 residents) needs to be recognised and prioritised for planning and infrastructure delivery before Elimbah.

“This draft plan also falls short of our minimum employment growth needs by 50,000 jobs.

“At a bare minimum we will need 3.7 new jobs for every 10 new residents. The plan outlines only 2.3 jobs per 10 new residents.”