Better connections for a booming port.

The Preliminary design for an upgrade of the Port of Brisbane Motorway has been made public by the Australian Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd, and Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and Member for Lytton, Paul Lucas.

Mr Lloyd said the Port of Brisbane Motorway, as part of the AusLink Transport Network, is an important driver of national and regional economic growth.

“This upgrade is essential to ensuring the existing port road network is able to cope with ever increasing demand on the system.

“It’s a world class port and needs a first class road network,” he said.

Preliminary upgrade design includes a new connection from the Port of Brisbane Motorway to Murarrie via Link Road, and a local connection to Wynnum by realigning Pritchard Street.

"It is important to ensure traffic congestion does not interfere with the efficient operation of the port now and into the future,” Mr Lloyd said.

Mr Lucas said the release of the motorway upgrade’s preliminary design was a milestone in addressing the needs of a rapidly expanding port, while also taking pressure off local streets in Hemmant and Wynnum.

"This preliminary design plans for a four lane motorway link between the Gateway Motorway and the Port of Brisbane at FishermanIslands.

"The design is a blueprint for the future.

“It means we can make informed decisions on road upgrades to cater for future traffic demand along the corridor," he said.

Mr Lucas said the preliminary upgrade design is based on planning and consultation carried out in 2000, and will play a major role in developing appropriate connections for freight movement between the port and key transport routes.

“The Port of Brisbane, as a major driver of the Queensland economy, and the rapid development of adjacent industrial land have placed increasing pressure on the motorway corridor.

"We’ve had complaints about the ‘dog-leg’ connection between Pritchard Street and Lytton Road, these plans will fix that,” Mr Lucas said.

The preliminary design goes on public display from this Saturday until 12 May 2007 at the Port of Brisbane Visitors Centre, Hemmant Community Hall, Wynnum Plaza Shopping Centre, Wynnum Library and the BP Service Station on Kite Street.

Community feedback on the design will be sought until Monday May 21, 2007.

Media Contacts: Jim Lloyd’s office – James Larsson 0434 305 130.

                       Paul Lucas’ office – Darren Roberts 0448 184 566