A regional blueprint for transport in South East Queensland has identified the Cleveland rail duplication and Eastern Busway as critical for the future of the Redlands Coast.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study released today showed State and Federal Government investment in transport needed to be increased to accommodate growth.
“Transport is about much more than convenience, it drives economic growth and regional opportunities and is critical for our community,” Cr Williams said.
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“This study lists 47 priority projects needed to transport residents anywhere in the SEQ region within 45 minutes and within each of the major centres within 30 minutes, helping to unlock those regional opportunities and economic potential.
“The People Mass Movement Study shows this can be achieved on the Redlands Coast by duplicating the Cleveland rail line and delivering the Eastern Busway, in turn encouraging public transport use and taking private vehicles off the road”
Cr Williams said there was currently no commitment to deliver either of these projects, showing a clear deficit in transport infrastructure.
“This report shows clearly that Old Cleveland Road is already beyond its capacity, but as yet there is not even a business case let alone a commitment to remedy this and unless something is done soon the gridlock will worsen,” she said.
“We had a previous commitment to deliver the Eastern Busway but that has now dropped off the State Government’s agenda and despite consistent lobbying there are no plans to deliver it.
“Last year I joined with Member for Capalaba Don Brown to petition Transport Minister Mark Bailey to deliver a business case for the Eastern Busway, hopefully this report will show why this project is so important to the Redlands Coast.
“This People Mass Movement Study also identifies the duplication of the Cleveland Rail Line as critical, and with it now dubbed the ‘Misery Line’ I’m sure all residents would agree this project is vital.
Cr Williams said while the Redlands Coast was expected to experience modest growth compared to our neighbours, the fact that about 60 per cent of residents already left the city each day for work or study showed there was a clear need for transport investment now.
“This is a regional plan and there needs to be a regional solution that will help Redlanders get to Brisbane and beyond and help our neighbours get out to enjoy the Redlands Coast,” she said.
