Moreton Bay revs up for road funding in budget submissions
Published 20 March 2026
- City of Moreton Bay is calling for urgent funding of critical road infrastructure in its Federal and State budget submissions
- Home supply will stall and traffic congestion will worsen without substantial investment in the City’s ageing road and transport network
- Council is again calling on the Federal and State governments to fund and commit to the expedited delivery of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative by 2032, currently estimated for 2041
Traffic and housing construction in City of Moreton Bay will grind to a halt unless Council secures critical funding urgently sought in budget submissions to the State and Federal governments.
Mayor Peter Flannery said congestion across the City was already at crisis levels, while planned homes could not be delivered without new and upgraded roads.
“We’ve literally hit a fork in the road. Without serious road investment from the State and Federal governments, traffic will come to a standstill and there will be no connections to areas earmarked for tens of thousands of homes,” he said.
“Our existing road network is already struggling to cater for our booming population, which is set to nearly double to one million in the next 30 years.
“When it comes to growth, all roads seem to lead to Moreton Bay but funding for critical infrastructure is lagging behind.
“Our number one ask is for funding to fast-track the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, which will provide critical connections to growth areas that ease congestion and unlock housing for 100,000 new residents.”
Specifically, Council is calling on the Federal and State Governments to fund and commit to the expedited delivery of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative by 2032, which is currently estimated for 2041.
Council is also asking the Federal and State Governments for $25 million each over three years to complete design and preconstruction activities for the Buchanan Road Overpass and Duplication. Once upgraded, Buchanan Road will be a major arterial that alleviates congestion by connecting major state roads and the Bruce Highway, unlocking housing supply sooner at Waraba and North Harbour.
Other commitments City of Moreton Bay is seeking in its budget submissions include funding for open level crossing treatments and removals, $14 million for flood-preventing stormwater upgrades at Caboolture to unlock 400 new dwellings, and funding for the Scarborough Drainage improvements project to unlock about new 510 dwellings and protect existing residents.
Another top priority is supportive housing, with Council seeking collaborative solutions to address homelessness and housing security in the City.
Council is also seeking $10 million for upgrades at James Drysdale Reserve, $8 million to deliver a new Baseball clubhouse and amenities at Kippa-Ring's Talobilla Park, and contributions towards a $16 million upgrade of the Queensland State Equestrian Centre.
City of Moreton Bay is seeking funding contributions towards proposed works, estimated to cost at least $16 million, to improve QSEC’s ability to operate as a competition hub.
“Council stands ready to do the heavy lifting and manage our rapid growth, but we must be properly resourced so we can deliver the infrastructure and services our community deserves,” Mayor Flannery said.
“I call on the State and Federal governments for a serious and realistic recognition of City of Moreton Bay’s growth. We must receive adequate funding to meet the current and future needs of our City.”
More details about key projects for Council can be found in the City of Tomorrow Advocacy Strategy on Council’s website.