Brisbane Metro: Business case funding for route extensions
The federal government has finally approved the reallocation of $50m to fund a Brisbane Metro business case to investigate four proposed extension routes, including to the airport.
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The federal government has finally approved the reallocation of $50m to fund a Brisbane Metro business case to investigate four proposed extension routes including to the airport.
Former premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner jointly wrote to the federal government in August seeking support to progress the business case using existing City Deal funding originally slated for the now-defunct Woolloongabba Metro station.
Now, six months on, federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King will be in Brisbane on Thursday to announce the money for the business case as part of a $200m package.
The $50m will be used for a detailed Metro business case to assess proposed Metro extensions to Carseldine, Springwood, Capalaba and the airport, investigating the best routes, station locations, and the infrastructure requirements like fleet size and number of fast charging sites.
It is also expected to probe how the new routes would integrate with the existing public transport network.
The federal government will also contribute to the development of two other business cases. The cost and scope of works required for the restoration and future maintenance of the iconic Story Bridge will be investigated at a cost of $2.25m, while $1m will be spent on an updated business case for the construction of a new active travel bridge from Toowong to West End.
The federal government also recently committed $78.5m towards cost pressures on the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade project, which will replace the Indooroopilly roundabout with an overpass over Moggill Rd.
Brisbane City Council will also receive $5m towards a $12m project to construct the Sylvan Road Bikeway.
A further $20m will also be contributed for the Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Upgrades project.
In total, the Federal Government is investing $28.9bn in transport infrastructure projects in Queensland over the next 10 years.
“With South East Queensland being one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, we’re delivering the infrastructure Brisbane needs to be well connected – boosting the river city’s liveability and economic activity,” Ms King said.
“I’m proud to be part of a government which is building this country’s future, partnering with local and state governments to invest in the infrastructure our communities need to thrive.”
Cr Schrinner said better roads and transport were critical to keeping Brisbane moving
“We need all three levels of government working together to achieve this,” he said.
“With the Australian Government’s support, we can now progress a rapid business case to progress the expansion of Brisbane Metro.
“This funding will also help us progress a business case to ensure the Story Bridge continues to play a critical role in the national transport network for another 100 years.”
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