Thursday 23 July, 2020
An LNP Government will build Queensland out of recession and bust congestion across the South-East with a $1billion program of new infrastructure.
The SEQ Congestion Program will be fully-funded and fast-tracked by a future LNP Government to create a pipeline of new construction projects and thousands of new jobs.
The first project in the program – announced today by LNP Leader Deb Frecklington – will be a new $245m bridge over the Brisbane River on the Centenary Motorway.
“The LNP will use infrastructure to stimulate the economy and drag Queensland out of recession by investing an extra $1 billion in South-East Queensland roads,” Ms Frecklington said.
“There are more than 200,000 Queenslanders out of work, so the LNP wants shovels in the ground as soon as possible.
“Our congestion-busting projects will directly employ 3100 Queenslanders, but the flow-on economic effects will help to create a decade of secure jobs across the South-East.
“The Morrison Federal Government provided Queensland with the JobKeeper and JobSeeker safety nets, but now it’s time for state governments to step up.
“The LNP will invest for growth and deliver ‘JobMaker’ infrastructure for Queensland workers.”
LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the $1billion fund would be new spending, in addition to the $550m the LNP has committed to deliver the Second M1.
“This funding is guaranteed by the LNP, so there will be none of the petty fights with the Federal Government that have stopped infrastructure under Labor,” Mr Mander said.
“The procurement will be fast-tracked and preference will be given to Queensland contractors. Now is the time to help our own first.”
The duplicate Centenary Bridge will increase the number of lanes over the Brisbane River to six, with scope to add an additional two extra lanes when required.
More than 100,000 vehicles squeeze through the existing bridge’s four lanes each weekday and an estimated 157,000 vehicles will be using it by 2036.
LNP Member for Moggill Dr Christian Rowan said residents of Kenmore, Fig Tree Pocket and other suburbs had waited too long for action to bust congestion on the Centenary Motorway and Western Freeway.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government ripped almost $9billion from the infrastructure budget, even though our local roads need huge investment,” Dr Rowan said.
“Only the LNP will invest in the new infrastructure the western suburbs need to bust congestion and create secure jobs.
“It’s time to get the western suburbs moving and working again – but only an LNP Government can do it.”
LNP candidate for Maiwar Lauren Day said congestion was a huge problem locally.
“Peak-hour congestion is bringing the western suburbs to a standstill,” Ms Day said.
“The LNP’s plan will bust the Centenary Motorway’s biggest bottleneck and make it easier for locals to get to work and get home every day.”
LNP candidate for Mount Ommaney Roger Hooper said the Centenary Motorway had been starved of investment by Labor and was now officially Queensland’s slowest motorway.
“Traffic is down to just 28kmh in peak hour at Jindalee,” Mr Hooper said.
“Only an LNP Government will duplicate the Centenary Bridge and get the Centenary Motorway moving again.
“This $245million investment for a new Centenary Bridge will increase active transport connections and unlock future upgrades along the Centenary Motorway.”
