The Federal Government will invest $300 million in the Brisbane Metro to help improve travel times and reducing congestion in Queensland’s capital.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said the funding, announced in the Federal Budget last week, formed part of the Turnbull Government’s record $75 billion investment in key infrastructure, including more than $20 billion for Queensland.
“This project has been assessed as a High Priority project of national significance by the federal government’s independent advisor, Infrastructure Australia, in its 2018 Infrastructure Priority List,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This is a vital project that will cut travel times, reduce bus congestion in the CBD and improve services to the suburbs.
“In total the Turnbull Government committed $5.2 billion to new major projects in Queensland in last week’s budget, including $1 billion to ease congestion on the M1, $390 million to duplicate the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough and $3.3 billion for additional upgrades along the Bruce Highway.”
Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, said the Brisbane Metro would deliver a high-frequency metro network across 21km of existing busway linking the Eight Mile Plains, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and University of Queensland Lakes busway stations and all stations in between.
“With two metro lines operating every three minutes in peak periods, Brisbane Metro will deliver a network of turn-up-and-go services linking the suburbs with the inner city and fixing major bottlenecks in the inner city that cause daily congestion,” Mr Evans said.
“This congestion-busting project is great news for Brisbane—it’ll ensure people spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing the things they’d rather be doing.”
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said it was a great outcome for Bonner commuters that would get them home to their families sooner and safer.
“It’s yet another funding commitment that shows the Government is listening to the community and investing in the vital infrastructure they need,” Mr Vasta said.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to the project, launching the first-ever vision of the underground Metro station at the Cultural Centre.
“Providing a dedicated connection for metro and bus services will get people home up to 50 per cent quicker and improve our lifestyle and leisure opportunities by providing an average of a one hour weekly travel time saving,” Mr Quirk said.
“Brisbane has a world class cultural and entertainment offering with QPAC, the Art Gallery, GOMA, State Library and the Museum and the precinct will soon have world class public transport.
“Metro will help transform the Melbourne and Grey Street intersection from a congested, dangerous and chaotic mess into a safer, people-friendly place that prioritises public and active travel.
“This change will mean up to 340 fewer buses per hour at surface level through the intersection of Melbourne and Grey streets, significantly improving safety and amenity for pedestrians.
“Brisbane Metro is expected to cost around $944 million and Council expects procurement activities to commence mid-year and Metro services operating in 2023, subject to State Government approvals.”
