The traffic chaos local residents are having to endure is a direct result of years of neglect by the State Labor Government to comprehensively plan and deliver an integrated road and public transport plan for the western suburbs of Brisbane, with funded infrastructure solutions.
It is unacceptable that parents, children and residents heading to work are having to sit in traffic delays spanning, in many cases, over 2 hours.
Whilst key local river crossings and bridges have suffered significant damage, the rectification of these key access points for local residents must be prioritised. That is why I have directly written to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and the Minister for Regional Development and Water, calling on the State Government to urgently prioritise these crossings for investigation and infrastructure rectification, taking into consideration future potential flooding impacts and the significant impacts being endured by local residents, particularly in Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Kholo and Lake Manchester.
A full update and timeline for rectification and opening of these crossings, particularly what is happening with the Mount Crosby Weir Bridge and at Colleges Crossing, must be provided to local residents by the State Government today, as well as a plan to comprehensively manage ongoing traffic congestion and ensuring the safe and timely travel for local students travelling to and from school.
The State Government must also commit to a comprehensive review of the disaster management response, including whether infrastructure planning will also be progressed to ensure emergency service and community access via road and full traffic bridge infrastructure at Bellbowrie.
