ALP Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett pledgesbusiness case for Coopers Plains crossing

ALP Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett has pledged a fully-funded business case for a Coopers Plains level crossing should his state counterparts win office on November 25.

The Coopers Plains crossing

ALP Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett has pledged a fully-funded business case for a Coopers Plains level crossing should his state counterparts win office on November 25.

But the commitment comes with a catch that demands­ an increased Brisbane City Council cash injection­ and a call for Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to stop turning his back on southside residents.

The treacherous southside level crossing has been the scene of 28 accidents in the space of seven years and is considered by RACQ as one of Brisbane’s most dangerous sections of road.

“An equal funding split was good enough for Geebung and Bracken Ridge on the northside for Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, so why won’t the LNP City Council do the same for Coopers Plains,” Mr Perrett said.

“We’re calling on Graham Quirk to come to the table with 50 per cent, just like he did on the northside when Campbell Newman was the premier. The southside expects to be treated fairly, not like the poor neglected cousin of the northside.”

Incumbent ALP MP for Sunnybank (Toohey) Peter Russo added: “Until the Brisbane City Council step up and take responsibility the issue of funding cannot be resolved.’’

But Cr Amanda Cooper said Mr Perrett’s claims were “completely false, and a desperate attempt to prop up his State Labor colleagues on the eve of an election­”.

“Open level crossings have always been state government infrastructure and responsibility, however, council stands ready to support an upgrade at Coopers Plains with a 15 per cent contribution­,” Cr Cooper said.

“Traditionally rail replacements have always been a 15 per cent contribution from Brisbane City Council and there are no plans to increase this funding for a state government infrastructure project.”