Transport Number One Priority in Massive Capital Works Budget

The first Bligh Government State Budget has delivered a multi-billion dollar package to tackle traffic congestion and transport infrastructure challenges, with new trains and buses on order and on the way.

Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser said $6.9 billion capital works program for Transport and Main Roads would help combat overcrowding on the state’s roads and increase safety, including major upgrades and initiatives to leave the car at home and use public transport.

Ms Bligh said spending on urban congestion is backed by the Government’s commitment to the regional road network, with the Main Roads budget for outside southeast Queensland topping $1.33 billion.

“As well as delivering a safe and efficient regional road network, my Government is committed to tackling congestion by delivering on congestion-busting infrastructure now and into the future.”

Mr Fraser said key projects will move forward this year.

“We will keep the Eastern Busway moving and we are providing the funds for the Northern Busway and airport roundabout work, given the green light in the massive Airport Link project,” he said.

“We have allocated $50 million for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project this year as we work to lock in a solution and get funding agreement and another $127 million extending the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes.

“We will complete the Sunshine Motorway Upgrade at David Low Way with $32 million to complete the project on top of the $52 million we have already spent.

“You can see the $52 million we have spent on the Caloundra Road upgrade and we will spend $27 million to finish it this year.

“You can see the $68 million we have spent on the Houghton Highway duplication and we will spend $150 million in this budget as the bridge stretches over to Redcliffe.

“Twelve new three car train sets will arrive this year as the Budget funds $162 million over the next four years for an order of 58 new three car units for future years. That’s more train carriages on the line to cope with demand increases.
“More than $168 million will be pumped into the Translink public transport system to pay for more services including funding for 90 new buses for Brisbane this financial year.
“$10 million will be set aside next year to pursue strategies including proven initiatives which promote public transport, cycling and walking.”
Mr Fraser said the Main Roads capital budget will help build tomorrow’s road network today.

“The Bligh Government is undertaking a massive infrastructure program to manage Queensland’s growth.”

Ms Bligh said significant investment is being made to continue major infrastructure projects outlined in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program (SEQIPP).

Congestion busting moves in SEQIPP that are funded in the Budget include:

• $254 million for the Darra to Springfield transport corridor – duplicating the Centenary Highway and duplicating the rail line to enable the extension to Springfield

• $204.5 million in 2008-09 for the Northern Busway between the Royal Children's Hospital and Kedron and $234.2 million towards construction of an Eastern Busway corridor connection from the Eleanor Schonell Bridge to Ipswich Road and from Princess Alexandra Hospital to Buranda to Main Avenue

• $697.6 million to upgrade infrastructure and rollingstock on the CityTrain network, including additional rollingstock to deliver substantial service enhancements between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, $130 million on the Springfield Line and $127 million on extending the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes

• $33.7 million to provide new cycling facilities across South East Queensland.

“On-going investment in our SEQIPP projects will deliver transport infrastructure that will alleviate traffic congestion and freight bottlenecks,” Ms Bligh said.

“But part of the bigger picture is to encourage more motorists to take advantage of our public transport networks and to give them improved facilities as part of our cycleways and walkways networks.”

The 2008-09 Budget also includes a suite of TravelSmart initiatives, off-peak freight efficiency trials, and an investigation into a rapid transit system between West End and Newstead.

“TravelSmart initiatives encourage people to look at getting to work or school by making smarter choices such as cycling or car pooling,” Ms Bligh said.

“A forward looking infrastructure program and attractive alternatives to driving are good for congestion and good for Queenslanders.”

Media Contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874
Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539