“We have a network that is a decade old and hasn’t changed in a decade. We’d like to dramatically improve that network,” he said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said her council area, as well as Logan and Moreton Bay, badly needed support for public transport.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says it’s “ridiculous” that the city receives one-eighth of the per capita public transport and roads funding of Logan, and one-twelfth that of the Gold Coast.Credit: Tony Moore
“It’s the peri-urban councils, this is where the growth is,” Harding said.
“If you look at Sydney, it is those big areas around Sydney that have grown and thrived. Look at Parramatta, it’s a financial powerhouse, and that is similar to Ipswich.”
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted how a lack of infrastructure funding had contributed to developer AV Jennings’ decision not to provide 3000 housing lots at Waraba in Caboolture West.
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“The rising cost of infrastructure is a critical factor to it, which is disappointing,” Flannery said.
“I am sure another developer will jump in, but that is where we need that investment in critical initial infrastructure – sewers, water, roads, public transport, power – to kick those developments off.”
Logan Mayor Jon Raven said old problems were re-emerging, despite work to extend the South East Busway from Rochedale to Springwood.
“In most areas, bus services are adequate – except for Berrinba, where they are non-existent,” Raven said.
“There is a lack of services in Logan Reserve and Park Ridge, as well as Yarrabilba and Flagstone, and
to the Logan Hospital.”
Treasurer Cameron Dick met with the mayors on Wednesday afternoon. The government also opened a second round of council funding applications from an existing package.
The discussions came as Premier Steven Miles repeated his call for the federal government to cut migration so state infrastructure programs can realign with population growth.
Dick will hand down the budget on June 11, ahead of the state election on October 26.
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