Federal Government bypass State Government with $80m funding for Lindum Level Crossing

The Federal Government has made a massive decision as they try to fast track the $125m fix of a dangerous Brisbane intersection.

The Federal Government has decided to bypass their Queensland counterparts to help fast track the $125 million fix for one of Brisbane’s deadliest intersections.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta (LNP) today announced the $85 million of funding committed to the long-awaited removal of the dangerous Lindum Level Crossing will be redirected to the Brisbane City Council.

Mr Vasta said he would work directly with council, who have also committed $40 million for the crossing, after being disappointed with the Queensland Government’s lack of funding for an upgrade.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta and Councillor for Doboy Lisa Atwood at the Lindum Crossing.

“Unfortunately, we can’t let the lack of state funding prevent this vital safety upgrade from

getting underway,” he said.

“The jointly funded Federal/State Lindum Station Precinct Study was conducted to help us deliver an ‘all-government’ solution, however we cannot sit back any longer and watch other level crossings like Coopers Plains receive $66 million State funding, while Lindum Level Crossing gets zero.”

Queensland Government Minister for Transport Mark Bailey and Joan Pease at the Lindum Rail Station.

The State Government however, did commit $40 million of funding to upgrade the Lindum Rail Station, which will include installing lifts alongside a new footbridge, a park ‘n’ ride expansion, bike parking and platform raising.

The changes to the station came from the Lindum Station Precinct Study, jointly-funded by the State and Federal Governments.

But Mr Vasta said those changes were not good enough as they did not address any dire safety concerns.

He said he had been working with the Chair of Public and Active Transport Councillor Ryan Murphy, Councillor for Doboy Ward Lisa Atwood and Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge to workshop a solution.

Railway crossing of Lindum Road, North Road, Kianawah Road and Sibley Road next to Lindum Railway Station. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“As a result, we will be redirecting our $85 million funding away from the State Government and delivering it to BCC so they can begin upgrades to the Lindum Road Corridor,” he said.

“We’ll be looking at possible first stage solutions such as traffic lights and road upgrades and/or extensions in the Lindum Rd corridor to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists in the local area until the State Government has a change of heart.”

Councillor for Doboy Ward Lisa Atwood said it was disappointing that the State Government

didn’t want to join the two other levels of government to deliver the outcome residents and

businesses deserve.

Railway crossing of Lindum Road, North Road, Kianawah Road and Sibley Road next to Lindum Railway Station. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease (ALP) said any suggestion the State Government was not committed to improving the Lindum Station Precinct is simply wrong.

“We’re investing an additional $40 million for safety upgrades at the station including a new footbridge, lifts and a park ‘n’ ride expansion – just as the technical study has recommended,” she said.

“The study also recommended traffic improvements on the Brisbane City Council road network. I welcome the news that council will make improvements to the level crossing and adjoining intersections because I know the community wants to see this done.”

Mr Vasta said he had written to Minister Tudge to formally request the $85 million funding be

redirected to council to get the project moving.

“During the Treasurer’s budget speech, he warned states ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ and the Queensland Labor Government has not only lost this Federal funding, but the confidence of their local community,” he said.

It has been more than 18 months since an elderly woman died at the crossing.