Bribie residents rely on cars because ‘public transport is inadequate’

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has an updated price tag for the proposed Bribie Island Bridge duplication that will determine when and how the project is delivered.

The Miles government costed the project at $700 million in July, when Labor made building the new bridge its first official election commitment.

However, the Liberal National Party, which has also promised a new bridge, accused Labor of pork-barrelling, having previously downplayed the urgency of any upgrade.

The Bribie Island Bridge, with the Glasshouse Mountains in the background, is set to be duplicated by the state government.Credit: Glenn Campbell

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg on Monday said the business case for the project had been completed and would be discussed in the coming weeks.

“I am aware that the department has a price estimate,” Mickelberg told reporters, insisting he did not know the figure.

His comments came after Brisbane Times obtained the previously unreleased report of the Bribie Island and Surrounds Transport and Mobility Study under the Right to Information Act.

The report noted residents felt compelled to drive, including on the Bribie Island Road and Bribie Island Bridge they said needed safety improvements.

“Over the consultation period, it was noted that residents relied on private transport due to concerns with the public transport options available,” the report found.

“Public transport options are limited and operate within limited hours, even to key locations. The lack of adequate shelters at bus stops and misalignment of bus and train connections at Caboolture Station were also raised.”

Residents wanted more frequent and direct services, increased service hours, better connections at multi-modal hubs, additional park ‘n’ ride facilities, and the potential use of smaller, on-demand buses.

The report was dated September but never released by the Miles government. In October, Labor lost the local seat of Pumicestone – and government – to the LNP, which backed its planned trial of on-demand bus services.

In her maiden speech, new MP Ariana Doolan said on-demand buses would also have 50 cent fares.

“The people of Pumicestone have made it clear that better infrastructure is a priority,” Doolan said.

“We live in a growing region and our current infrastructure is not keeping up with the needs of our community. Every day, residents face long commutes and frustrating traffic bottlenecks.

“It is time we finally deliver on expanding Bribie Island Road and delivering a new Bribie Island bridge. These projects are not just about easing congestion; they are about getting people home quicker and safer and boosting our local economy.”

Labor had vowed to fund the project without any local or federal government contributions.

Mickelberg will discuss the business case and cost with Doolan, amid heightened concern over the scale of Queensland’s infrastructure commitments.

Bribie residents and tourists would also benefit from promised mainland road and rail upgrades.

Mickelberg said no projects in his portfolio had been reprioritised but the government had taken steps to reduce cost pressures on future contracts.

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