BOWMAN MP Henry Pike says momentum is critical if Redlanders are to board a Metro service to the CBD before the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
In February, the Commonwealth committed $50 million for Brisbane City Council’s business case in partnership with the Queensland Government for an extension of the Metro bus network.
The “rapid business case” will confirm alignment, depot locations, network improvements and delivery phasing for new metro routes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The study is expected to be completed around 2026 and will examine a possible route to Capalaba among several options.
Mr Pike believes Capalaba is the strongest contender, particularly with its Olympic links.
From Sleeman Sports Centre to Capalaba, Mr Pike says, the engineering is relatively straightforward, while more complex work lies within Brisbane’s boundaries.
In the Redlands, Mr Pike pointed to opportunities along Redland Bay Rd, and said Boundary Rd would need upgrades, particularly with the Priority Development Area planned there.
“In the long run, it might make sense to extend even further to Victoria Point and Redland Bay,” he said, noting some resumptions may be needed along Boundary Rd, though not in Redland Bay itself.
He said the project would require cooperation between all levels of government.
“Brisbane City Council would have to contribute, but it couldn’t be done without Federal Government funding,” he said.
“I’m hoping as organisers turn their minds beyond the sporting venues towards the legacy of the Games, we get some big Federal money for transport infrastructure, particularly ahead of the Games.”
With just seven years to go, Mr Pike said there was no time to waste.
“The $50 million will get us to the decision point next year, but momentum is critical,” he said.
“When that report lands, we can’t sit around and talk about it for two years otherwise we risk missing out.”
A spokesperson for the Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council all committed $50 million towards a $150 million Brisbane Metro Expansion Business Case in February, which will deliver a detailed business case to inform future lines for Brisbane Metro.
“Delivery timeframes are determined by the project proponent, Brisbane City Council,” the spokesperson said.
“The Australian Government will consider requests for construction funding once the business case has been completed as part of normal budgetary processes.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Brisbane 2032 Games had always been about delivering a lasting legacy and fast-tracking the transport projects the community needs so we can keep people moving well beyond the four-week event.
“We’re driving forward plans to expand Brisbane Metro north to Carseldine, south to Springwood, east to Capalaba and to Brisbane Airport, with planning for the business case process now underway,” Mr Schrinner said.
“By working hand-in-hand with all levels of government, we’ll get the Metro to more places as quickly as possible, ensuring the Games deliver benefits for Brisbane for generations to come.”
ON AIRCRAFT NOISE:
- You’ve been active on the issue of aircraft noise – what feedback have you received from residents and what specific changes are you advocating for?
Henry Pike: Aircraft noise has been a big issue since I was elected. There’s been consultation on changes to flight paths, especially since Brisbane got a new runway. The problem is they’re trying to shift noise away from some areas and share the load, which affects new places like Redlands, Sheldon, the Bay Islands, and parts of Redland Bay.
The latest proposals include shifting arrivals over the islands and moving some flight paths closer to places like Mount Cotton. They’re trying to balance noise but it’s complex and controversial.
We’ve pushed back on many proposals and killed some off. The current round is quite challenging. The biggest point we argue is that “over-water flights” means over the bay — but people live there too. We want over-ocean routes where possible.
Community groups have been very active, especially on the islands. Coordinated submissions have been powerful – for example, one group had over 600 submissions. That volume of feedback is hard for the authorities to ignore. - Have you received any commitments from Airservices Australia or other authorities to address aircraft noise impacts in Redland communities?
Henry Pike: They brief me before each consultation round, and I tell them where the community’s likely to push back. I’ve found them pretty decent to deal with. They usually kill off the most egregious proposals. But nothing is set in stone – they have to follow their process.
ON SOUTHERN MORETON BAY ISLANDS REGIONAL FUNDING:
- Can you provide an update on your push for regional funding status to be restored to the SBMIs?
Henry Pike: We’re essentially in the same place as we’ve been for a while. Originally, under the old Building Better Regions Fund, the islands weren’t included. Then, back in 2016, the former mayor and federal member led a campaign to get the islands recognised as regional, and the government changed its stance.
Between 2016 and 2022, under the Turnbull Government, not many projects were delivered, but having regional status meant the islands could apply for funding.
Then the Government changed the scheme, using the Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA) to determine eligibility. Unfortunately, this grouped the islands into the Brisbane region, making them compete with a huge population base for funding – effectively cutting them out.
It’s frustrating because the islands have unique growth and infrastructure needs. If it were a country town with the same population growth, it would get much more funding.
We’ll keep pressure on the Government. We had a policy to create an original Future Fund with better access to regional funding, but we lost the election, so that’s on hold.
I’m putting together case studies of island projects – like the Lamb Island Resilience Centre – to show the need and push for funding. - How would restoring this regional classification directly improve infrastructure or services for SMBI residents?
Henry Pike: It would give them access to a bigger funding bucket with less competition. A report last year by an economist specialising in regional funding made a strong case for their regional status, highlighting how unique their growth challenges are.
If properly classified, the islands would be more competitive for funding than many other regions.
ON NATIVE TITLE IN THE REDLANDS:
- There has been some community discussion about Native Title in the Redlands – what is your view on the implications for local landholders and residents?
Henry Pike: The main concern is Council land subject to the claim – about 3000 hectares. The big question is what happens to the tenure of that land, especially public spaces and buildings.
Redlanders have reason to be concerned because some Council projects are on hold due to uncertainty over tenure. Council has asked the court for a “negative determination” to clarify what land is and isn’t subject to native title, so the community can move forward. - Do Redlanders have any reason to be concerned about how Native Title claims might affect property rights, development, or access to public land?
Henry Pike: It would mean needing to consult with native title holders before making changes. But a lot of this is legal grey area, especially over what counts as “major public works”.
The process is costly, with taxpayers footing legal bills on both sides. We hope for a clear resolution soon – we don’t want this dragging on.
ON REDLAND CITY COUNCIL TURMOIL:
- There have been ongoing reports of dysfunction between some councillors and the Mayor at Redland City Council – what’s your assessment of the situation?
Henry Pike: It’s disappointing. The Council has good people and does good work, but the internal infighting and distrust are frustrating. Residents are tired of it, and the councillors aren’t enjoying it either. It’s arguably the worst I’ve seen in recent years. Some things still get done, but the ill will is high. Obviously the LNP doesn’t field candidates in local government, so we don’t have a dog in the fight so to speak. It seems that a lot of time is being wasted on stuff that isn’t productive. It’s clear that relationships are breaking down in that Council Chamber and we’ve got a long way to go until the next election. - Do you believe the State Government should intervene to address governance or performance issues at the Council?
Henry Pike: The State Government has a responsibility to try to mediate. I believe they are trying. Dismissing the Council isn’t the answer; they’re still capable of delivering outcomes. But they need to fix the relationship breakdown. You can disagree with people, but the OIA process doesn’t help, when there’s people lobbing in complaints.
ON 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION RESULT:
- In the recent Federal Election, Labor’s Darcy Brown had a strong showing despite being parachuted in at the last minute – did that result surprise you?
Henry Pike: Yes, definitely. My own result was better than most neighbouring seats in terms of the swing. I quote Churchill about Dunkirk: “We must be very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory.” It wasn’t a victory, but we should rejoice that we held the seat.
It wasn’t the sort of win I wanted to have. When I was campaigning, I was hoping to build my margin out as far as possible and instead that hard work was to try and save the seat which I didn’t know at the time. There are no safe seats anymore.
The swing was a wake-up call that what we were offering the Australian people wasn’t resonating. We need to go back to the drawing board.
I have a lot of respect for Peter Dutton, and I think he would have made a great Prime Minister but it’s obvious that he wasn’t attracting the levels of support we were anticipating.
It doesn’t help when you hold those harsh portfolios of Immigration and Defence. Primarily we just didn’t have the policies that cut through. - Do you see this as a wake-up call for your own political strategy and engagement with the electorate?
Henry Pike: Absolutely. It’s clear we need to reconnect with voters, understand their concerns, and adapt our message and policies accordingly. We held the Government to account well but where we failed was demonstrating that we wanted to be an alternative government.
ON POLITICS:
- How do you rate the Albanese Government’s performance so far, and what impact has it had on the Redlands?
Henry Pike: Honestly, it’s been horrendous. They’re emboldened and doing a victory lap instead of focusing on everyday Australians’ issues. We’ll see what comes from their productivity roundtable, but I’m skeptical. - What do you believe the Coalition needs to do in opposition to position itself for victory at the next election?
Henry Pike: We need policies that resonate, especially on housing affordability. A whole generation is giving up on buying a home – that’s a massive challenge. Superannuation use is still on the table but boosting supply is key.
We also need tax reforms supporting families raising children. If we champion small business and Australian families, we’ll be closer to government.
This newspaper has offered Bonner MP Kara Cook the opportunity to do a similar interview.
