Funding budgeted for Youngs Crossing Rd ‘less that 10 per cent’ of the project’s total cost
A Federal Government plan to floodproof Youngs Crossing Rd has been labelled “desperate” with the project’s cost expected to be far above the promised funding.
Moreton
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A FEDERAL Government plan to floodproof Youngs Crossing Rd has been labelled “desperate” with the project’s cost expected to be far above the promised funding.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Member for Dickson Peter Dutton and Minister for Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge last week announced $7.5 million to “raise the bridge” over North Pine River.
The existing overpass gets cut off due to flooding forcing traffic onto Gympie Rd, particularly when there is a gate release at North Pine Dam.
Mr Dutton said the idea for the project was for it to be funded by all three tiers of government, though it is understood neither the State Government nor Moreton Bay Regional Council were aware of the proposal until after the Federal funding was promised.
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“Our absolute priority is to floodproof this road and we’ll work in with the council’s broader plans,” Mr Dutton said.
“But the idea is to work within the existing footprint. We’re not going to break into any environmental corridors, we’re not going to take over the park. I think it’s the most sensible option.”
Back in 2012, Mayor Allan Sutherland said an upgrade of Youngs Crossing Rd was “a priority” but a time frame depended on both State and Federal government contributions.
“The estimates for an all-weather crossing range from $70 million to $160 million; it’s a staggering price tag and one the ratepayers of the Moreton Bay Region can’t fund in its entirety,” Cr Sutherland said in 2012.
He told Pine Rivers Press this week that $7.5 million would help start discussions, but wouldn’t go nearly far enough towards funding a solution.
“I’m heartened that the Federal Government has put Youngs Crossing at the top of the agenda this election year,” he said.
“But $7.5 million falls well short of what will be needed to deliver a project of this complexity and Council simply can’t fund it alone.
“I’d welcome the opportunity to sit down with the Federal Government and discuss the best way forward.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey called the funding announcement desperate saying it fell a long way short of what was needed.
“The $7.5 million they’ve promised for Youngs Crossing Road is only a fraction of the more than $80 million that Moreton Bay Regional Council knows will be needed for that project,” he said.
“Peter Dutton has had 17 years as the local MP to fund this project properly and on the eve of an election in his marginal seat, he can’t even promise 10 per cent of its cost.”
Cr Sutherland said the council had already done substantial research and budgeted $4.5 million to start design works on potential solutions for Youngs Crossing.
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