Time to deliver on promises

Expectation is growing for the new State Government to deliver on its pre-election promises in the City of Moreton Bay.

LNP commitments included a $60m TAFE Advanced Manufacturing Hub at The Mill, $15m for a wildlife hospital at Dakabin and $30m for parks, pathways and sports clubs.

There was also $3.75m pledged for Deception Bay SES Depot, $2m for Redcliffe Area Youth Space Flexi School and $250,000 for licence plate recognition technology/Council’s CCTV network.

Mayor Peter Flannery says he will “soon be writing to the new government to facilitate further discussion and delivery of these commitments”.

But Council’s wish list had no pre-election LNP funding commitment to housing/services for those doing it tough, the Bruce Highway Western Alternative or Buchanan Rd overpass.

However, Mayor Flannery said: “With infrastructure being key to our growing city, it was positive to hear (new Premier) David Crisafulli say the LNP will investigate our Moreton Bay Ferry Service proposal if elected.

“It was heartening that one of the first things the new Premier did was speak to the Prime Minister about the Bruce Highway.

“We also look forward to realising road, park and pathway projects, including the LNP Government’s commitment to deliver the Active Transport Link Pathway and Boardwalk connecting Griffin to Mango Hill, as well as supporting local clubs on facility upgrades.

“I look forward to further discussion on these critical infrastructure matters.”

Council said there were also pre-election LNP commitments to change the law to stop copper wire thefts at community facilities and fund the following:

• $3.1 million for a men’s shed at James Drysdale Reserve
• $500,000 to upgrade Burpengary Jets Rugby League playing fields
• $500,000 to upgrade Caboolture River Rd
• $3.8m for Pine Rivers Football Club building.
• $2.5m for Terrors Creek crossing on Dayboro-Mt Mee Rd
• $2.1m for upgrades at Bray Park PCYC
• $4.1m to upgrade netball building at Les Hughes Sports Complex $4.1m
• $920,000 for Bribie Island Sports Complex
• $350,000 for a pathway link at Ningi $350,000
• $3m Pumicestone/Beerburrum Roads active transport corridor
• $750,000 for pathway link at Beachmere
• $500,000 for a playground upgrade at Clayton Park, Beachmere
• $200,000 for Nathan Rd Sporting Precinct

Next year the mayor will host a Leaders’ Forum for the 13 state and federal MPs, one federal senator and 12 councillors from City of Moreton Bay to “collaborate for the benefit of all our residents”.

Moreton Bay’s under-pressure road network may also be on the agenda with billions of dollars needed to fund huge projects:

$2 billion Bruce Highway/Gateway Motorway Upgrades

Bracken Ridge to Pine Rivers Bridge - $1 billion (Federal $800m, State $200m). Planning completed in May 2024. Procurement for design and construction is underway. Design and construction timeframes to be confirmed.

Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Rd – $948m (Federal $758.4m, State $189.6m). Procurement for design and construction underway.

Dohles Rocks Rd to Anzac Ave – $290m (Federal $232m, State $58m). Early works started. Main construction set to get underway in late 2024.

Bruce Highway Western Alternative/Moreton Motorway

Stage 4 (Beerburrum to Moodlu) – New investigation underway into routes west of Elimbah, after a huge backlash from residents to initial plans. In April, LNP leader David Crisafulli (now Premier) said if elected the LNP would “listen to residents’ requests, scrap current routes and find an alternative that doesn’t divide communities or ruin primary production”.

Stages 1 and 2 already gazetted. Stage 3 (Narangba to Bald Hills) investigations continue into corridor route.

Buchanan Rd Upgrade: Cost in 2022 put at $200m for four lanes and railway bridge between Morayfield and Bruce Highway. So far, $7m from both Council and the State Government for planning.

Youngs Crossing Bridge: Cost in 2022 put at $80m (Federal $32.75m, State $15m, rest from Council. Process in final stage of construction procurement. Contractor expected to be appointed by end of 2024. Early work under way. Main construction expected in early 2025.

Second bridge to Bribie: Estimated cost $700m for new two-lane crossing. Former Premier Steven Miles made Labor funding commitment in July. TMR says planning is under way.