A BUSINESS case examining an extension of Brisbane Metro to Capalaba is set to begin, marking a significant step in the push for stronger public transport links between Redlands Coast and Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council has announced work will begin on a business case for several potential Metro extensions, including Capalaba.
The study is expected to be completed within 12 months and will examine possible routes, benefits, costs and delivery options.
It does not yet represent a commitment to build the Capalaba extension.
Champion Redlands Coast CEO Cindy Corrie said the decision followed advocacy involving representatives from local government, State and Federal parliament, business and industry.
Ms Corrie, Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike, State Member for Capalaba Russell Field and Redland City Councillor Jason Colley met with Brisbane City Council Civic Cabinet Chair for Public Transport Cr Andrew Wines on August 7 to press for the Capalaba business case to progress.
“This is an important step forward for this project,” Ms Corrie said.
“The business case will allow us to understand how this project will be delivered and provide more certainty around future planning for Capalaba.
“This is the result when advocacy is collaborative and Redlands is clear about what we want.”
She said the Metro proposal showed the importance of bringing the right decision-makers together to move major projects forward.
The Federal Government committed $50 million towards planning for Brisbane Metro expansion in early 2025, with Brisbane City Council, the State Government and Commonwealth expected to jointly fund the business case.
About $12 million is anticipated to be required for the study, leaving $38 million of the Federal allocation available for early works associated with the broader expansion program.
Potential Metro routes to the airport, Carseldine, Springwood and Capalaba will be considered, with the business case expected to identify short, medium and long-term priorities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mr Pike said a Metro extension could be a major opportunity for the Redlands.
“The extension of Brisbane Metro to Capalaba has the potential to be transformational for our city,” he said.
“Getting the business case underway is an important step in understanding the project’s benefits and its pathway to delivery.”
Mr Field said improved connections would support the future growth of Capalaba and the wider Redlands.
“Capalaba is a major centre for Redlands and the wider region, and better public transport connections are critical to our future.”
“This project can make it easier for people to move between Redlands and Brisbane for work, study, shopping, sport and recreation.”
Cr Colley said the potential benefits extended beyond day-to-day transport.
“If we’re serious about Brisbane 2032 legacy, we need to think beyond the Games and invest in the connections that will benefit our communities for decades afterwards.”
Champion Redlands Coast said it would continue working with government and industry to advance the business case.
