Port road upgrade boosts jobs and economy

Published Wednesday, 30 July, 2014 at 10:12 AM

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Queensland truck drivers and Port of Brisbane workers will be safer on their daily trips to and from the port while keeping the economy moving thanks to a $110 million upgrade of a major freight lifeline, funded by the Port of Brisbane and welcomed by the Queensland Government.

Premier Campbell Newman and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson joined Port of Brisbane CEO Russell Smith to announce the go-ahead of the final stage of the port’s road network improvements.

Mr Newman said the Queensland Government’s support of the road upgrade helped deliver on its commitment to create jobs by growing a four pillar economy.

"The upgrade will bring more than 400 jobs to Queensland during construction and support the Port of Brisbane’s massive growth, productivity and competitiveness," Mr Newman said.

"This economic boost makes up part of our strong plan for a brighter future to get the state back on its way to becoming the nation’s leading economy."

Mr Newman said there was a daily workforce of 2500 people commuting on the port’s roads, while 1500 trucks carrying 1.1 million containers passed through the Port of Brisbane every year, with that figure growing by four per cent annually.

"The growth of this hub has prompted the road upgrade to be brought forward, undertaken by a great Queensland company in full accord with the state government," Mr Newman said.

"More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state. The Port of Brisbane is a vital artery for the Queensland economy and is a significant employer so we are pleased to work with the company to help create infrastructure which improves safety, efficiency and capacity."

Mr Emerson said the government would offer continued assistance to Port of Brisbane to ensure the upgrade of a 3.2km stretch of road to dual carriageway to ensure it meets Transport and Main Roads design requirements and construction guidelines.

"Last year we completed $385 million of works on the Port of Brisbane Motorway, extending lanes, constructing six bridges and eliminating a 90-degree bend for Port-bound traffic," Mr Emerson said.

"This new upgrade will provide an improved and efficient connection to the motorway, getting truckies and port workers home safe to their families and reducing congestion for consumer and agriculture goods coming in and out 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Mr Smith said the works were expected to help cater for the hub’s huge capacity demand.

"The upgrade will more than double the current traffic capacity, from 12,500 to 28,750 vehicles, or approximately 130 per cent," Mr Smith said.

"The health and safety of our workforce and those using the Port Drive is paramount so we’re happy to bring these works forward.

"We are very pleased to be able to bring forward these important infrastructure works ahead of capacity demand so Queensland continues to enjoy congestion-free entry to its premier multi-cargo port into the future.

"The Port of Brisbane is an economic engine for Queensland and it is critical that adequate investment in infrastructure remains a priority to support future growth, productivity and competitiveness of both the Port and our customers.

"We will continue to work with the government to ensure the Port of Brisbane remains an efficient, productive and sustainable link in Queensland’s supply chain while protecting South East Queensland’s amenity and liveability."

Works are expected to begin next year and will include upgrades to intersections at Kite Street, Port Drive, Osprey Drive and Tanker Street as well as the construction of dual carriageways.

[ENDS] 30 July 2014
Media contacts:

Premier’s Office: 07 3719 7000

Mr Emerson: Emily Arlidge 0455 063 989

Mr Smith: Emily Griffiths 0467 747 070