Construction set to begin on road project, but money redirected
The State Government has diverted Federal Government funding for a road upgrade north of Brisbane after Transport Minister Mark Bailey originally suggested the money didn’t exist.
Moreton
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THE State Government has pencilled in works to upgrade one of Bribie Island Rd’s worst intersections, but $20 million promised for the project is now being diverted elsewhere.
Construction for traffic lights at the Old Toorbul Point Rd intersection will begin in early next year and be finished by the end of 2020, weather permitting.
State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the $10.4 million plans would also include new bus stop bays, dedicated cycle infrastructure and a larger u-turn facility for heavy vehicles, along Bribie Island Rd.
“As the main access to St Michael’s College and the Abbey Medieval Festival, the largest annual medieval event in the southern hemisphere, our government is backing Moreton Bay locals by signalising and upgrading this increasingly busy intersection,” Mr Bailey said.
“The upgrade will improve safety for motorists, freight vehicles and families heading to and from school.”
However, the $20 million that was promised by the Federal Government during the 2018 Longman By-election has been held back until the 2020-21 financial year, according to State Budget papers.
It will instead be used for other projects along Bribie Island Rd, which are yet to be decided.
This comes after Mr Bailey previously claimed the Federal Government’s money didn’t exist.
“As soon as the LNP lost the Longman by-election, they abandoned Bribie Island and their by-election commitment to new funding for Bribie Island Rd,” Mr Bailey said in April.
“The Federal Government has had nine months to come clean on how the $20 million will be funded but have failed.”
A spokeswoman for Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Transport Minister Michael McCormack said he is waiting for a detailed project proposal from the Queensland Government.
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“Following the Federal Government’s commitment, this money was made immediately available,” she said.
“Funding will be re-profiled based on this detailed information noting that federal funding can only flow upon receipt, assessment and approval of such a proposal.
“The funding is available to flow whenever this approval occurs.”
Transport and Main Roads will start meetings with key stakeholders to undertake public utility relocations in readiness for construction.
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