5 MINUTE: Investment in infrastructure
Deputy Speaker, I rise today to bust the myths of this motion.
And to speak on the infrastructure investment commitments our government has made and is making right across the country.
Deputy Speaker, our government hears the needs of Australians and we respond.
That is why during this year’s Budget, we made it clear that we are building the infrastructure our country needs for the future with our 10-year, $110 billion investment pipeline.
For better roads, faster commutes and most importantly, making sure Australians can get home sooner and safer.
We’ve also invested a further $1 billion in road safety upgrades to save lives and a further $1 billion in local road infrastructure projects.
Deputy Speaker, in my electorate of Bonner our government is delivering for locals.
In September, I went to see the upgrades to the M1 between Sports Drive and the Gateway Motorway thanks to the $110 billion investment pipeline.
This is a 3.5-kilometre upgrade which is part of the broader $750 million, 8 kilometre M1 Eight Mile Plains to Daily Hill project.
By alleviating congestion along critical sections of roads like this one we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country.
And Deputy Speaker, I am especially proud of my ongoing partnership with Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor Adrian Schinner.
Working together for our community, we have a strong track record of upgrading local roads and building a better Brisbane.
Last month, the Lord Mayor and I visited some of the works currently underway.
My electorate is home to Newham and Wecker Rd which was rated the fifth most dangerous intersection in Queensland by RACQ.
There is a great urgency amongst the community to fix this problem area and I was proud to secure $12 million in funding for this project, which will be delivered by Brisbane City Council.
It will involve the construction of new turning lanes, signalised pedestrian crossings, improved footpaths and the coordination of traffic lights.
Deputy Speaker, our government is also contributing to the Brisbane Metro project with Brisbane City Council.
This is a major project and one that is strongly aligned with our plan to reduce emissions.
We are contributing $300 million to the vital project with construction currently underway of a new depot facility at School Road in Rochedale.
The depot will provide storage for the new battery electric Brisbane metro vehicle fleet, advanced charging infrastructure, maintenance, and staff facilities.
Brisbane Metro will have four stops in Bonner and with transport being one of the major sources of carbon emissions, this project demonstrates the importance of working with all levels of government to reduce our footprint across the country.
It is fantastic to see our government leading these initiatives and forging the way for a cleaner and greener public transport system.
Deputy Speaker, the last time I spoke on Lindum Crossing in the house, I was pleased to share that the long-awaited upgrades were getting underway.
I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 when over 7000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix Lindum Crossing.
We were successful and in 2019 the Federal Government committed $85 million to this worthy project.
Brisbane City Council have also come to the table with $40 million to fix Lindum Crossing.
This month, we commenced the first stage of immediate safety upgrades to the crossing, thanks to $1 million from our Federal funds.
These works will include the installation of new and extended median islands as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing.
And this weekend, there are scheduled upgrades to the rail corridor.
This first stage is critical to ensuring the crossing is safe for our community while more extensive planning can be undertaken for the long-term grade separation of Lindum Crossing.
We are motoring ahead and fixing Lindum once and for all.
And Deputy Speaker, what’s more is that working alongside Brisbane City Council, we’ve started construction of the Chelsea Road and Rickertt Road intersection upgrade and Wakerley Bikeway project in Ransome.
I was very pleased to secure $6 million in funding for this vital project.
Our government has also allocated $14 million towards fixing the notorious Rochedale Roundabout, which will improve the intersection and safety for all commuters and will cater for future traffic demands in this fast growing suburb.
Deputy Speaker, I have spoken of many projects today that are underway in Bonner.
And with funding delivered by the Morrison Government to benefit our local roads and address the needs of commuters.
Our commitment to infrastructure funding couldn’t be stronger.