Redland City Council is set to formally back a Brisbane Metro extension to Capalaba, declaring the proposed Eastern Metro route a “priority city-shaping investment” for the Redlands Coast.
Councillors will next Wednesday consider endorsing a position paper calling for the full delivery of the high-frequency, electric bus rapid-transit connection from the Brisbane CBD to Capalaba.
But the project is far from locked in.
Brisbane City Council, supported by the Queensland and Australian governments, is preparing a business case examining four potential Metro expansion corridors — to Capalaba, Springwood, Carseldine and Brisbane Airport.
The business case is in its early stages and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
There is currently no government commitment to build any of the proposed routes.
Redland City Council’s report says the Capalaba connection would address a longstanding gap with Redlands Coast one of South East Queensland’s largest urban communities without a high-frequency public transport service.
In 2021, about 90 per cent of Redland journey-to-work trips were made by private vehicle, compared with 4 per cent by public transport and 2 per cent by walking or cycling.
Council expects the city’s population to increase by about 52,000 people by 2046, alongside an estimated 21,700 additional local jobs.
The report warns that growth will place more pressure on already congested roads including Old Cleveland Rd, Moreton Bay Rd, New Cleveland Rd, Rickertt Rd, Finucane Rd, Redland Bay Rd and Mt Cotton Rd.
“Continued reliance on private vehicles and road network expansion alone is unlikely to provide a sustainable long-term solution,” the position paper states.
It argues an Eastern Metro route would improve access between the Redlands and Brisbane, strengthen Capalaba’s status as a principal regional activity centre and support more housing, jobs and investment around well-connected locations.
The paper also identifies potential links to Carindale, Chandler and the wider Metro and busway network.
Council says the project could form part of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games transport legacy, improving access to the proposed Birkdale Community Precinct, Olympic Whitewater Facility and Chandler Sporting Precinct.
If supported, Council will send its position paper to Brisbane City Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Infrastructure Australia.
The advocacy push does not commit Redland City Council to funding the project.
Instead, it calls on the Queensland and Australian governments to fund the route from business case through to delivery.
While Capalaba is the immediate focus, Council’s long-term vision includes protecting future public transport corridor opportunities for possible extensions to Cleveland, Victoria Point, Southern Thornlands and other growth areas.
