Dr Christian Rowan MP, the State Member for Moggill, said that after years of taking local residents for granted, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has been embarrassed into finally addressing the Mt Crosby-Warrego Highway Interchange.
This only occurred after Labor was called out by both the Liberal-National Party in Parliament, as well as publically by their own local Federal Labor Member for Blair.
“For years, Labor have promised to upgrade this vital intersection, and for years they’ve simply taken local residents, those in the greater western suburbs, as well as Ipswich locals, for granted.
“It’s been painfully obvious that the Palaszczuk Labor Government had to act.
“We had a petition calling on Labor to act, led by Chuwar local Sandra Clarke, gaining over 1,700 signatures, which was sponsored by Labor’s own Member for Ipswich West, Jim Madden MP.
“We then saw Labor’s Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, publically blast his own State Labor colleagues for failing to even submit a business case to the Federal Government.
“Only then, after I asked the Premier a direct question in Question Time, did the Palaszczuk Labor Government sit up, take notice, and actually look at funding for this important interchange.
“Whilst the initial funding allocated in this budget is a start, I’m calling on the State Labor Government to properly fund its 50/50 share to ensure this vital safety upgrade.
“There can be no excuse by Annastascia Palaszczuk not to fully fund Queensland’s half share, particularly after Labor’s Shayne Neumann MP has previously championed a 50/50 split; even going as far as calling on the State Labor Government to fully fund its half share*.
“The recent announcement by Labor’s Jackie Trad MP, alongside the Labor Minister for Transport and Main Roads, is frankly an admission by Labor that it is hopeless at planning and delivering the roads and transport infrastructure that Queensland desperately needs.
“It’s clear that only Deb Frecklington and the LNP have the plans to fix congestion and get motorists home sooner and safer.
“Whilst this announcement, though significantly overdue, is welcome, it is now incumbent on Labor not to play politics with this funding and ensure a collaborative approach to delivering this upgrade.” Dr Rowan said
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