THERE has been a ramped-up push for urgent and strategic action on transport infrastructure aimed at boosting the economy and liveability of North Stradbroke Island and the broader Redlands region.
In a meeting with the Chief of Staff for Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg, Redland City Councillors Peter Mitchell and Jason Colley laid out a compelling case for the creation of a dedicated “transport steering group”.
This initiative, according to Cr Mitchell, would serve as a crucial forum to bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including state and local governments, business owners, transport operators and community representatives.
The primary objective of the proposed steering group is to facilitate the development of “gold standard” transportation solutions, ensuring equitable responsibility for funding and delivery, which Cr Mitchell believes is critical for achieving sustainable growth in the region.
“North Stradbroke Island’s economy is under serious strain,” Cr Mitchell said.
He argued that improving access to essential services, as well as enhancing the region’s appeal to tourists, requires significant investment in transportation infrastructure that connects key transit hubs like Dunwich, Toondah Harbour and Cleveland.
The proposed transport steering group would play an essential role in aligning these disparate players, ensuring a unified approach to the area’s development.
Cr Mitchell described it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to supercharge the island’s economy by enhancing connections to Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and international transportation hubs, all the while building a resilient local economy that can withstand future pressures.
“There is a sleeping giant of opportunity here,” Cr Mitchell said.
“With strong, transportation-led economic growth, we can take North Stradbroke Island and the Redlands region to the next level, delivering both immediate and long-term benefits to the local community and the wider southeast Queensland area.”
Alongside their call for the formation of the steering group, Cr Mitchell and Cr Colley also put forward a strong case for the urgent upgrade of the Finucane and Old Cleveland Roads intersection in Capalaba.
This intersection, which is a vital component of the local transport network, is already at full capacity, a point both councillors raised directly with Mr Mickelberg’s office.
Cr Mitchell argued that the State Government should take responsibility for the upgrade, given its location on a state-controlled road.
The councillors highlighted that imposing the upgrade as a condition for the Birkdale Community Precinct project – specifically the swimming lagoon – was neither reasonable nor financially viable for Redland City Council, which is already burdened with other infrastructure costs.
They stressed that the need for collaboration between local and state governments was crucial to achieving the desired outcomes.
The Birkdale Community Precinct, which includes the Redland Whitewater Centre, represents a major opportunity for the region, and the councillors believe that resolving these transportation issues will ensure its success.
“We’re fully committed to working alongside Minister Mickelberg and our local MPs to ensure these issues are addressed,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Together, we can deliver the infrastructure that will secure a bright future for North Stradbroke Island and the entire Redlands region.”
