The Queensland Government has announced funding of $71 million, part of the SEQ City Deal, will be committed for the Caboolture River Road upgrade.
Over the next 40 years Waraba will provide around 30,000 new homes for approximately 70,000 people. The future community will have access to around 17,000 jobs associated with employment, industrial, centre and commercial land uses.
The upgrade to Caboolture River Road will provide access and support the initial stages of development within the Waraba PDA and cater to growing and future traffic demands in the growth area.
The Caboolture River Road upgrade will transform the stretch between Grant Road and Morayfield Road into a four-lane carriageway with two traffic lanes in each direction and new cycling and pedestrian paths on both sides of the road.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2028, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
The Queensland Government funding is from its $100 million contribution to the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC) to help support new residents moving to Waraba and existing local communities following detailed infrastructure master planning and prioritisation by the City of Moreton Bay.
In August the Queensland Government announced $13 million in GAC funding as part of the $38.5 million funding for wastewater infrastructure as Stage 1 of the GAC to unlock more than 2,500 new houses in Lilywood, the first new suburb in Waraba.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said, “Waraba, in the City of Moreton Bay, will provide around 30,000 homes for an estimated 70,000 people and support an estimated 17,000 jobs.
“We’re investing in the infrastructure the community needs and this includes $71 million to widen the Caboolture River Road to four lanes.
“This will improve key intersections, traffic flow and provide new pedestrian and cycling paths.
“It will also support existing residents in Morayfield and Caboolture helping to ease congestion and improve road safety.
“All up, we’ve earmarked $100 million from the SEQ City Deal Growth Area Compact to help develop Waraba.
“We’ll continue to work with City of Moreton Bay on delivering the infrastructure Waraba needs for the future.”
City of Moreton Bay Acting Mayor, Jodie Shipway, said, “City of Moreton Bay is experiencing a rapid increase in population, with Waraba just one of our many growth areas.
“We have been calling for critical infrastructure investment and planning to enable more connectivity and housing in our City, so this funding is very welcome and highlights why the City Deal is just so important.
“We will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government on detailed planning for the remaining $16 million allocated to City of Moreton Bay in GAC funding, including our own commitment of $10 million. We are working with the Federal Government to try and convert their loan as part of the GAC funding to fast track delivery of Buchanan Road.
“This project, to be delivered by the City of Moreton Bay, highlights how vital SEQ City Deal funding is for our local communities.”
Image: Martin Valigursky/shutterstock.com
