WORK to explore a Metro extension to Capalaba remains on track, with the long-awaited business case progressing.
Brisbane City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the project, saying work is continuing in partnership with the Queensland and Australian governments.
However, according to the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website, the status of the business case is listed as “not started”.
This has prompted concerns from local leaders that the project could miss the 2032 Games deadline unless planning accelerates.
Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike said the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games represented a “rare opportunity” for the Redlands to secure major investment in long-awaited transport infrastructure.
“I have been pushing hard to make this a reality, and I welcomed the bipartisan funding commitment to the business case,” Mr Pike said.
“However, that is just the beginning – once the due diligence is complete, we need to ensure the pressure remains to continue to progress this project through to completion.”
A “rapid business case” announced in February is examining whether Metro services could be extended beyond current council boundaries, with options to reach Springwood in the south, Capalaba in the east, Carseldine in the north, and new links to the DFO and Brisbane Airport.
Under the proposal, Metro Line 3 would run beyond its current terminus at Langlands Park to new stops at Coorparoo Square, Camp Hill, Carina, Carindale and Chandler before finishing at Capalaba.
Despite a nine-month silence on progress, Council says the project remains on track.
Council’s Chair for Public Transport Andrew Wines said Brisbane Metro had already delivered significant benefits and was laying the foundations for future network expansions.
“Brisbane Metro has been a raging success, and the step change our city needs to move from public transport to mass transit,” Cr Wines said.
Cr Wines said Brisbane’s population growth – more than 600 new residents each week – made Metro expansion essential.
“Importantly, this is just the first stage, with Brisbane Metro laying the groundwork for future expansions in the State Government’s Brisbane 2032 delivery plan,” he said.
But former Capalaba MP Don Brown – who has been calling for the Metro to extend to Capalaba since 2018 – has accused the LNP-led Brisbane City Council of stalling crucial work on the Brisbane Metro business case.
Mr Pike echoed concerns about timing after the Federal Government website showed the business case as “not started”.
“This is concerning. Timing is critical, and we need to ensure due diligence is completed and the project continues to progress,” he said.
Redland City Council has reiterated its long-standing calls for major transport upgrades ahead of the Games, including improved regional links to the new Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale.
“Council has consistently advocated to other levels of government for transport infrastructure improvements that are vital to Games legacy outcomes,” a spokesperson said.
A Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said delivery timeframes were determined by Brisbane City Council, which is responsible for delivering the business case.
