The $512 million Logan Motorway Enhancement Project — Queensland’s first market-led proposal (MLP) — developed by Transurban, has been approved by the state government.
Queensland Treasurer, Curtis Pitt, said the project would upgrade the Logan and Gateway Extension motorways, improve road safety and travel times, as well as create jobs and stimulate the economy.
“This is a win for the local community, Queensland road users, and especially the trucking industry that has welcomed the project,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Logan Motorway Enhancement Project will support around 1,300 jobs over its two and-a-half year construction period, as well as deliver increased productivity and efficiency in South East Queensland’s road freight transport industry.
“Its economic benefits are estimated to be around $1 billion over 30 years.
“The project has been examined through the staged assessment process of the state government’s market-led proposals initiative that offers private sector proponents the chance to get their ideas for new projects or services off the ground faster.”
Mr Pitt said the Logan Motorway project was one of four MLPs worth more than $700 million in total that have progressed to stage two of the MLP process, and the first to proceed to the final binding contract stage.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety, Mark Bailey, said the final concept design for the motorway upgrades reflected feedback from the community, road users and the trucking industry.
“They all want improved efficiency, travel times, safety, and connectivity that the Logan Motorway Enhancement Project delivers,” Mr Bailey said.
“The Logan Motorway Enhancement Project now delivers greater scope and value for motorists as a result of working with stakeholders and locals.”
Transurban Queensland Group General Manager, Wesley Ballantine, said the company was proud to present the first MLP under the Queensland Government’s innovative framework.
“Our partnership with the Queensland Government throughout the detailed proposal phase has ensured we achieve the best possible outcomes for motorists, industry and the wider community,” Mr Ballantine said.
Mr Ballantine said as part of the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates, Transurban Queensland would build a new community facility at Heathwood.
“To celebrate the project and to create a lasting legacy, Transurban Queensland will donate up to $2 million to create a community complex next to the Logan Motorway at Heathwood,” Mr Ballantine said.
“We will work with stakeholders, including the Member for Algester, to ensure the site meets the community’s needs.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Trucking Association, Gary Mahon, said the project was important for the heavy vehicle industry.
“We believe the funding model for the project is justifiable given the project will remove congestion, improve safety and generate savings to the heavy vehicle industry through fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance and time savings,” Mr Mahon said.
“Access to and from the industrial estates bordering the Motorway will also be improved.”
RACQ Group Chief Communications Officer, Paul Turner, said the project would address safety issues and congestion along the Logan and Gateway Extension motorways.
“RACQ believes the upgrades and increased capacity in the network will improve travel times for motorists, particularly around the Wembley Road and Mount Lindesay Highway interchanges,” Mr Turner said.
“The new interchange designs will also reduce the amount of congestion that motorists currently experience and improve road safety for this busy intersection of motorways.”
