Div 8: Less time on the roads with major road safety spend
Published 17 June 2022
Safer roads, more flood mitigation, and greater investment in community sports are the priorities for Division 8 in Budget 2022-23.
Cr Mick Gillam (Div 8) said he understood local concerns about population growth and wanted to ensure families would spend less time in the car and more time either at home or outdoors playing sport.
“We all choose to live in Moreton Bay for different reasons, but what unites us is our local lifestyle and that’s what I want to protect as this area grows,” Cr Gillam said.
“We have a good balance, with road upgrades, new cycling and pedestrian paths to get people exercising, safe crossings to protect our wildlife and investment in parks, clubhouses and community centres.
“A major investment is an initial $30 million for road and bridge construction at Youngs Crossing Road in Petrie so that we can build a four-lane divided roadway above the flood level, pedestrian paths and bikeways on both sides, and finish it off with landscaping.
“This is part of a bigger two-year project that has more than $32 million in Federal Government funding and will keep the traffic moving regardless of the weather and dam releases into the North Pine River - unless it’s a Noah’s Ark flood event.
“We also have $9.8 million two-year project to replace the roundabout at the busy intersection of Francis Road, Sparkes Road and Ellis Street at Lawnton, with an initial $1 million invested in 2022-23 thanks to federal government support.
“Within two years, you’ll see a safer intersection, with traffic lights, turning lanes, bike lanes, wider pedestrian paths and landscapes.
“There is $887,000 for road resurfacing at Old North Road in Bray Park to give our residents a smoother commute. Thanks to the federal government for chipping in to this job.
“Work to reduce congestion and improve safety is continuing at Beeville Road in Petrie, with $700,000 to widen the road, fix stormwater drainage and install traffic lights at the Frenchs Road intersection.
“We also have $1.3 million to get people outside and enjoying Ron Thomason Park in Lawnton, with a shared bike and pedestrian pathways that connect North Pine River, One Mile Creek and Mungarra Reserve through to Todds Road. Many thanks to the state government for helping fund this one.
“With all the recent rain, we are prioritising stormwater drainage works, including $470,000 for Francis Road in Bray Park and $230,000 at Wyllie Street in Petrie.
“We also want to keep our wildlife safe, so we are spending $500,000 at Four Mile Creek on fencing, rope bridge and planting.
“The Budget is also delivering for community groups and sporting bodies that are the heart of Division 8.
“We have another $750,000 to continue demolition at Strathpine’s Rob Akers and construction of a fit-for-purpose AFL clubhouse with a club room, dining area, office, undercover spectator area and tiered seating with assistance from the state government.
“Work is also ongoing at the Strathpine Community Centre, with $255,000 to upgrade of the power supply capacity.
“I have been speaking to residents about the centre and am pleased to report that work to improve accessibility at entrances, toilets and in the parking lot has been completed ahead of schedule.
“But I won’t be resting on my laurels and have been advocating for more work at the centre, including replacing the air conditioning system, renewing the roof and upgrading the kitchen with stainless steel benches and commercial appliances.
“I am confident we have a budget that delivers across Division 8, making the community more liveable and setting us up for improvements in future years.”
Budget 2022-23 delivers a record $259 million capital works program to provide the infrastructure and investments locals have told us they want to see in their communities, via feedback in the Moreton Says survey. This Council wants to ensure our priorities align with our community’s values.
Budget Highlights for Division 8
- $30 million to begin road and bridge construction at Youngs Crossing Road between Petrie and Joyner. This project will take two years, made possible by more than $32 million in Federal Government funding.
- $1.3 million for construction of a shared pathway at Ron Thomason Park in Lawnton thanks to the state government
- $1 million in 2022-23 upgrading the intersection of Francis Road, Sparkes Road and Ellis Street, Lawnton, as part of a larger $9.8 million project with federal government assistance
- $887,000 to resurface OId North Road, Bray Park with federal government assistance
- $750,000 to continue demolition and rebuilding of the AFL clubhouse at Rob Akers Reserve, Strathpine with state government assistance
- $700,000 to complete a road upgrade at Beeville Road, Petrie
- $500,000 for safe wildlife crossings at Gympie Road, Lawnton thanks to funding from State Government
- $470,000 to upgrade drainage at Francis Road, Bray Park
- $255,250 for upgrading the power system at Strathpine Community Centre
- $230,000 for a stormwater renewal project at Wyllie Street, Petrie
Video transcript