Former State Member for Capalaba Don Brown has called on local LNP representatives to clarify exactly what public transport infrastructure is planned for the Redlands ahead of the Brisbane Olympic Games.
The call follows a recent social media post from Rebecca Young MP highlighting progress on the Redland Whitewater Centre and its long-term legacy for the region.
In her post, Mrs Young said the Redland Whitewater Centre will become Australia’s northern hub for Olympic and Paralympic slalom, with year-round community access for kayaking, tubing and recreation.
She said the facility would not be a “one-and-done” Olympic venue, describing it as:
- A permanent training facility for firefighters, SES and first responders
- A driver of tourism, trade and small business growth
- A catalyst for key infrastructure upgrades across Redlands Coast — including improved transport links like the dedicated bus corridor to Capalaba
Mr Brown said that while the Whitewater facility presents significant opportunities for the region, clarity is urgently needed about the transport infrastructure intended to support it.
“There is a $50 million business case for the Metro to Capalaba,” Mr Brown said.
“Yet we have seen a noticeable shift in language from local State LNP MPs.
“The word ‘Metro’ has disappeared.
“Instead, we are now hearing phrases like ‘Bus Priority Corridor’ and ‘Dedicated corridor’.
“These are not interchangeable terms.”
Mr Brown said the distinction is significant for local residents.
“A bus priority corridor typically means buses share lanes with general traffic, perhaps with signal priority at intersections,” he said.
“A dedicated corridor means physically separated, standalone lanes for buses — genuine rapid transit infrastructure.
“Redlands residents deserve to know which one we are getting.”
Mr Brown said that if the Metro to Capalaba were genuinely progressing for delivery before the Olympics, the government would be communicating that clearly and consistently.
“The silence around the Metro terminology suggests that it is not being built in time for the Games,” he said.
“At the same time, Redlands ratepayers are being asked to contribute millions of dollars in trunk infrastructure to support the Whitewater facility.
“It is entirely reasonable for the community to expect certainty about the public transport legacy that is meant to accompany these investments.”
Mr Brown has called on the State Government to:
- Confirm whether the Metro to Capalaba will be constructed before the 2032 Olympic Games
- Clarify whether Old Cleveland Road will receive a fully dedicated busway or a shared priority arrangement
- Release detailed corridor plans so residents can see exactly what infrastructure is proposed
“This is not about politics. It is about transparency,” Mr Brown said.
“Redlands deserves real infrastructure, not shifting terminology.”
