State government commits to $2.1 billion worth of road upgrades in Moreton Bay

The State Government has committed to building a $2.1 billion “congestion-busting” package of road upgrades north of Brisbane.

THE State Government today has committed to building a $2.1 billion “congestion-busting” package of road upgrades north of Brisbane, including a new arterial in Moreton Bay.

Dubbed the “Moreton Connector”, the new arterial road will be from the Dohles Rocks highway interchange to Anzac Ave in Mango Hill.

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The roads package also includes upgrades at the Gateway Motorway near Bald Hills, and upgrades on the Gympie Arterial Rd.

Many Moreton Bay residents would also be pleased to learn that the road package includes building new northbound ramps at the Dohles Rocks/Bruce Highway interchange.

The $2.1 billion figure is made up of 80 per cent previously announced federal government funding, and 20 per cent state.

State Member for Murrumba Steven Miles in the past was adamant that the northbound ramps would not, and could not, be built.

Though the State Government is pulling out all the stops to win over the electorate ahead of the October 31 election.

Moreton Bay is home to three senior state ministers, an assistant minister and two government backbenchers.

Keeping hold of those seats will be vital to Labor’s chances of being returned to government.

The Moreton Connector has been an idea for years, with both state and federal governments supporting the concept.

Mr Miles said it would reduce travel time for Queenslanders living on the northside of Brisbane.

“It will also allow Griffin residents easy access to North Lakes and bring a number of jobs to the local economy, which we know is very important at this time,” he said.

“We are keen to work with the Federal Government for the people of Queensland.”

Federal LNP Member for Petrie Luke Howarth welcomed the commitment from the State Government, but was cautious about the announcement, given the looming election.

“My concern is that with this state government, all these projects are in the never-never,” Mr Howarth said. “It’ll all be years from now.”

“We funded those northbound ramps two years ago for $120 million, and now four months before caretaker mode they want to do it.

“The upgrade at the Gateway was also promised at the last federal election.

“I’ll support anything the State Government can do to bring these projects forward now. We can’t wait 2-3 years.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the multi-billion dollar transformation of Brisbane’s northern road network would build on Queensland’s record $23 billion roads and transport investment over the next four years.

“The Federal Government is eager to look at what jobs we can create and what projects we have across Queensland,” she said.

“This proposal is exactly the kind of key congestion busting road infrastructure they are looking for and is ready to go to the Federal Government.

“If we can work with the Federal Government to get this approved, this of course means hundreds of jobs and better commuting for people travelling on the northside of Brisbane.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said both levels of government had locked funding into future budgets for the northside upgrades.

“The Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Road in this part of Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs collectively carry about 310,000 vehicles a day,” Mr Bailey said.

“That’s 100,000 more vehicles a day than on the busiest section of the M1, so it’s clear a plan is needed for new roads and major upgrades there.

“This is the plan that will deliver those upgrades.”

Mr Bailey said both levels of government were committed to major road upgrades north of Brisbane and would work with Moreton Bay Regional Council to deliver the proposed new road.

“Funding that could deliver this plan is locked in future state and federal budgets,” Mr Bailey said.

“There is also a further $150 million in joint funding already committed to upgrade the Linkfield Road overpass and the Strathpine Road interchange, with works there due to start in coming months.”

“The next step is for us to get all three levels of government together so we can get work started as soon as possible.”