A BUSINESS case outlining the upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway forms the basis of a new petition created by community group Logan Country Safe City.
Chairman David Kenny told the Times a business case is necessary because the state government has no plan for the Mount Lindesay Highway beyond the recently-announced funding to upgrade one kilometre at Park Ridge South.
“The only way to get a comprehensive plan is to involve not only the three levels of government but all the stakeholders, including the community,” he said.
“Thus our push for a business case to evolve into a plan.
“If we could do this without a business case we would be happy to go straight to a plan, then have it costed and then put into future budgets. Sadly this is not the case.”
According to Mr Kenny, the only current upgrades planned are for the one-kilometre stretch between Rosia Road and Stoney Camp Road ($20 million budgeted for 2019-20 and/or 2020-21); and the federal funds allocated for North Maclean ($4m in 2017-2018 and $16m in 2018-19).
“Although we understand things can be brought forward, the past has proven they can get put back or shelved completely,” he said.
“And as for public transport, the only thing Translink has planned is to run an Uber-style trial in the Park Ridge to Logan Village area, and there are no plans for the Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail link.
“Why would you be happy with that?”
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Mr Kenny said Logan Country Safe City has long lobbied for a wider definition of the Mount Lindesay Highway that includes nearby growth areas such as Yarrabilba and Flagstone.
The group also wants to see work done to feeder roads running to and from the highway, and sufficient public transport solutions, including the Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail.
“Adding in the 2016 census showing that 25,000 new residents moved into the Logan area, and almost 5000 of those went to Yarrabilba; and of the 10,000 new homes built around 1800 of those were in Yarrabilba,” Mr Kenny said.
“And if you think Yarrabilba is big, wait until greater Flagstone gets more traction, and then Flinders Rise, all developments given to Logan by the state government.
“Thus, we try another petition, this time not only asking individuals to sign but also businesses who are affected by having no plan.”
Logan Country Safe City and the Logan Country Chamber of Commerce are distributing the petition which can be signed online until October 9, 2017 via parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petitions.
