LNP denies Brisbane north side toll road planned as Labor launches petition

Labor has stepped up its campaign against a major new road it says the LNP council wants to build through several north Brisbane suburbs.

South Pine Rd, Enoggera, is one of the roads included in consultation about cutting congestion on Brisbane’s north west transport network. Picture: Chris McCormack.

Labor has stepped up its campaign against a major new road it says the LNP council wants to build through north Brisbane.

It has launched a petition calling for the LNP council not to build a toll road through north Brisbane as a result of its consultation about cutting congestion on Brisbane’s north west transport network.

Labor candidate for McDowall Liam Culverhouse Lord said Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the LNP continued to refuse to rule out a toll road in the North West Transport Corridor (Everton Park to Bald Hills).

His opponent, Councillor Tracy Davis (LNP, McDowall) also would not rule out a road, telling Quest Community News the outcome of the consultation was not predetermined.

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“We are acting on behalf of the federal government to do this consultation so that we can provide them with some feedback about what the aspirations of residents are to move around the community – that’s walking, cycling or public transport or roads,” Cr Davis said.

Mr Culverhouse said he had found “universal” opposition to a toll road while doorknocking.

“Consultation for the LNP is just a sham. They pretend to consult and then plough ahead with their original plans,” he said.

“The only way to get the LNP to scrap these plans is to show overwhelming community opposition.”

Cr Tracy Davis.

Liam Culverhouse.

Cr Davis said one person had contacted her office expressing opposition to a toll road, while one couple asked her about that option at an information display.

“We need something. The (the State Government) record in building infrastructure for the future is appalling,” she said.

“That is why the federal government have undertaken for us to look at a very broad look at what transport options may be required in the future.”

Row over toll road through Brisbane suburbs

Mayor refuses to rule out major new toll road

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the North West Transport Corridor was a state-controlled transport route.

“Nothing can happen on a state-controlled corridor without the approval of the State Government,” Mr Bailey said.

“Developing new road or transport infrastructure through the preserved North West Transport Corridor is not a priority for the Palaszczuk Government.

“Our government’s focus for the north side is fixing the bottlenecks that connect established suburbs with fast growing areas further north like Petrie, Griffin and Lawnton, and the Sunshine Coast beyond.

The North West Transport Corridor.

“That’s where the population growth is happening, so that’s where investment in infrastructure is needed most.”

Mr Bailey said former Cr Amanda Cooper had said a new major arterial road needed to be built through the northern suburbs as an alternative to Gympie Rd, Cr Andrew Wines proposed a traffic tunnel and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner had suggested the Metro could go through that area one day.

Feedback will be accepted until 11.59pm on February 7.

You can do it online or write to Transport Planning and Operations, Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane.