Moreton Bay mayor Peter Flannery slams state government for ‘neglecting city of safe seats’

A southeast Qld mayor has called on the state government to “gets some balls about them” after an independent report showed it had failed to invest critical infrastructure in the regions.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery has slammed the state government claiming it had failed to invest in his region.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery has slammed the government for failing to invest in critical infrastructure in the regions, accusing senior Labor ministers of neglecting his city of safe seats.

An independent report commissioned by the City of Moreton Bay examining data published by the state government, found Moreton Bay receives $42.33 less per capita than the South East Queensland average, making it one of the most underfunded councils in the region.

The findings also highlight major infrastructure and local road funding discrepancies.

Moreton Bay also ranks lowest in SEQ for local road network funding.

Taking a note out of Labor’s playbook, Cr Flannery is petitioning for a fairer share of government infrastructure investment to fund projects outside of the Bruce Highway under the campaign banner “the City of Moreton Bay matters”.

He is also demanding ministers heading infrastructure departments start taking more action.

“Infrastructure is such a big beast and I’ve found ministers don’t have as much power over their own portfolios,” he said.

“I just hope the new government gets some balls about them and start producing for the people of Queensland instead of protecting themselves.”

Moreton Mayor Peter Flannery and Queensland Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Richard Walker

Cr Flannery said he has had several meetings with various ministers, including Premier Steven Miles over the past three years to present his evidence and discuss the funding disparity, but said he had largely been ignored.

“We gave them a breakdown of the report card, clear data showing we haven’t had investment in all these areas but all the money just goes to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the shiny toys,” he said.

“There are 240 people moving here every week.

“We need circular transport, we need roads, sewer, all the stuff to build more housing.”

Despite having a larger and faster-growing population, Moreton Bay is set to receive only $2.7 billion in major public infrastructure investment between 2021 and 2033.

In comparison, similar regions like Ipswich and Logan-Beaudesert are projected to receive more than $6 billion, while the Gold Coast is set to benefit from $8.3 billion.

The electorates of several high ranking MPs cover the Moreton Bay region, including Premier Steven Miles’ seat of Murrumba.

Other Labor seats include Police Minister Mark Ryan in Morayfield, Fire Minister Nikki Boyd in Pine Rivers, Shane King in Kurwongbah, Chris Whiting in Bancroft, Ali King in Pumicestone, and outgoing Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath in Redcliffe.

The LNP’s Andrew Powell’s Glasshouse seat also overlaps the Moreton region.

“They need to start listening to what we have to say here because it will have an affect on the government or create opportunity for the opposition,” Cr Flannery said.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by Cr Flannery, Premier Steven Miles said the government would continue to meet and discuss infrastructure needs with him.

“Moreton Bay is one of the fastest growing areas in our state and, as someone who lives there, I understand how important it is to deliver the infrastructure needed to keep up with this growth,” he said.

“Since becoming Premier, I have brought my Cabinet to Moreton Bay and regularly speak with the Mayor and will continue to do so.”

The Premier noted a $1.3bn transport investment in the area, as well as Labor’s election pledge to spend $700m duplicating the Bribie bridge.

“We’re investing in the region’s healthcare through developments at the Redcliffe and Caboolture hospitals and delivering more social and affordable homes in the area,” he said.

Originally published as Moreton Bay mayor Peter Flannery slams state government for ‘neglecting city of safe seats’