Federal LNP deserts lonely island roads

A Federal Government cash splash on Bribie Island roads in the lead up to the Longman by-election appears to have dried up.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said four months after dumped Prime Minister Turnbull visited the region and announced $20 million for Bribie’s roads, the Palaszczuk Government was still waiting to hear if the funding was coming.

“In July this year, Mr Turnbull took a sudden interest in Bribie Island’s roads when there were votes up for grabs in Longman,” Mr Bailey said.

“Those votes didn’t come for the Federal LNP and the message from Canberra seems to be if you don’t vote for us then we won’t back you.

“The LNP Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson has asked what roads we will allocate the $20 million to but perhaps she should ask her Federal LNP colleagues where the money is first.”

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on its commitment to improvements along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.

“We have allocated over $20 million for series of major upgrades on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, including a $10.4 million project focusing on the intersection with Old Toorbul Point Road,” Mr Bailey said.

“Works will also start this month to improve safety on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road between Kal Ma Kuta Drive and Bestmann Road.

“The works include new street lights and a pedestrian refuge at the Kal-Ma-Kuta Drive intersection, as well as widening the road and installing a wide centre line treatment.

“We will also create space for U-turns at the Bestmann Road (East) intersection.

“This will allow motorists heading westbound from Kal Ka Muta Drive and Spinnaker Drive the opportunity to make a left turn onto Caboolture-Bribie Island Road initially, and then perform a U-turn at the signals to travel back towards Caboolture.”

Mr Bailey said he was aware the local community had also recently advocated for traffic signals at the Spinnaker Drive intersection.

“Traffic signals will be installed at Spinnaker Drive as part of future developer works,” he said.

“TMR assessed new developments proposed for the Spinnaker Drive catchment and conditioned further works needed to be undertaken to improve safety at the intersection.”

ENDS

Media: Toby Walker - 0439 347 875