LOGAN Country Safe City has renewed calls for both levels of government to fund the Mount Lindesay Highway as a federal election looms.
Lobby group chairman David Kenny said it was time for the “finger pointing” and “lack of action” from state and federal governments to end as he warned the Mount Lindesay Highway was at risk of becoming a slow way.
“...The truth is, they are both responsible for their constituent’s safety,” he said.
“Yes, it is a state government road, but both levels of government are responsible for the safety of its residents and users, which day by day are being subjected to a highway that averages a death every three months.
“With Economic Development Queensland allowing rampant development throughout Logan and the Scenic Rim - all beyond the local government’s control – this expansion will see another 270,000 new residents in 100,000 homes over the next 23 years.
“The highway is turning into a slow way, and with the rate infrastructure is lagging behind, it will be clogged way before too long.”
Federal member for Forde Bert van Manen said the Liberal-National coalition committed $16 million towards the $20 million North Maclean safety project.
“I will continue to work with my federal colleagues to see what other assistance we can make, however, it is important to remember that the Mount Lindesay Highway is a state road, and therefore the state government’s responsibility,” he said.
Logan Country Safe City has signaled it will campaign for Mount Lindesay action in the 2019 federal election, targeting the seats of Forde and Wright.
In 2020, the state seats of Logan and Scenic Rim will be in their sights as Queensland goes to the polls.
Mr Kenny said urgent action was needed to cost and fund projects identified in the Queensland government’s updated Mount Lindesay Highway plan up to 2028.
“The Mount Lindesay Highway approaching Jimboomba in both south and northbound directions needs duplicating, including the Maclean bridge,” he said.
“Therefore, we call on both governments, in particular the state, which has the direct responsibility for the (highway), to put in place their 10-year plan, cost the plan and to commit funds over the 10 years, in partnership, so that no matter who is in government the plan is delivered.”
A Queensland government transport department spokesperson said planning for upgrades from Stoney Camp Road to Chambers Flat and Johanna Street to South Street through Jimboomba were underway.
Funding for the projects would be assessed against “competing statewide priorities”.
“The two planning projects will identify the next upgrades on the Mount Lindesay Highway and the proposed timing for construction,” the spokesperson said.
“Each year, candidate projects are considered for inclusion in the upcoming QTRIP for planning, design and construction.
“We will nominate projects identified through this planning for funding consideration along with other candidate projects from across the state.”
The spokesperson said more than $100 million had been committed to upgrade the Mount Lindesay since 2015.
A spokesperson for the federal department of Infrastructure said it would work with the Queensland government on upgrades to Queensland’s road network, including the Mount Lindesay Highway.
“However, the Queensland government has primary responsibility for the planning and delivery of road upgrades, including assessing the viability of any proposed duplication,” the spokesperson said.