CAPALABA is in danger of missing the Brisbane Metro bus altogether ahead of the 2032 Games, Labor claims, as new council documents reveal delays.
A rapid business case will determine whether Brisbane Metro can be extended south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, north to Carseldine and connected to DFO and Brisbane Airport.
First announced in August 2024, the business case is jointly funded by council and the federal government, which has committed $50 million, with the overall cost still unknown.
Labor claims the business case was never planned for “rapid delivery”, despite repeated assurances the project was urgent.
The Opposition claims newly released council procurement documents put a Capalaba link at risk ahead of 2032.
A Significant Contracting Plan approved in December 2025 shows the business case is expected to take up to 24 months, with the contract starting on June 1, 2026.
Labor says that timetable would push completion of the business case to mid-2028, effectively ruling out construction of four new Metro routes before the Games.
Opposition Leader Cr Jared Cassidy said the delays meant Brisbane residents were paying the price for inaction.
“After two decades of decline under this LNP Council, Brisbane families are stuck in traffic while the Lord Mayor drags his feet on the transport solutions our city desperately needs,” Cr Cassidy said.
He said the delays were particularly concerning given the $50 million in federal funding already committed.
“The Federal Labor Government handed Council $50 million for this business case a year ago – money labelled for RAPID delivery,” he said.
“Instead, we’re looking at a business case that won’t even be finished until 2028.
“That’s not rapid, that’s a disgrace.”
Bowman MP Henry Pike said the 2032 Olympics should be the catalyst to finally deliver long-promised infrastructure for the region, including the long-discussed Metro extension to Capalaba.
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is a once in a generation chance for the Redlands to finally get its fair share of infrastructure,” Mr Pike said.
“The single most important project for the Redlands is extending Brisbane’s new Metro system from Coorparoo to Capalaba.
“It would transform public transport, cut travel times, and take pressure off roads that locals have been stuck on for decades.”
Mr Pike said the project had effectively stalled under previous governments despite repeated commitments and was only revived after sustained pressure and bipartisan support at the federal level, warning the current timelines risked squandering the opportunity presented by the Games.
“Talk is cheap,” Mr Pike said.
“With 2032 approaching fast, there must be no more delays, excuses or bureaucratic drift.
“The Redlands cannot afford to miss this opportunity again.
“I’ll continue pushing to ensure we reduce the timeframes to get this project underway.”
Rebecca Young MP, Member for Redlands, said the State Government has released the 2032 Games Delivery Plan, which includes substantial road, rail and bus infrastructure.
“The plan includes delivery of improved bus priority on key Brisbane corridors that is essential to be able to increase the frequency and reliability of services, mode shift and benefits the broader transport network both for the Games and beyond,” she said.
“Brisbane City Council (BCC) is leading the detailed Business Case for the Brisbane Metro Expansion.
“The Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering the transport projects outlined in the 2032 Games Delivery Plan.”
Russell Field, MP for Capalaba, said Brisbane City Council was leading the detailed Business Case for the Brisbane Metro Expansion.
“As a Member of the Crisafulli Government, I am focused on delivering the Old Cleveland Road Corridor bus priority solutions outlined in the 2032 Games Delivery Plan,” he said.
“We are approaching the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in a calm and methodical manner, and we will deliver this plan for better services to our area in time for the 2032 Olympic Games – as we have promised in the Delivery Plan.”
Amanda Stoker, MP for Oodgeroo, said the State Government’s 2032 Games Delivery Plan contemplates major investments in transport infrastructure as part of the games’ legacy for our community, and it will be delivered on time, including its commitment to the accelerated delivery of the Brisbane Metro expansion.
“As we await the Brisbane City Council’s work on the business case, the state government’s work on improving the bus priority corridors that are the first step toward the expanded Metro continues, improving journey times and capacity for bus commuters and bringing the Redlands’ Metro closer,” she said.
Federal Labor MP for Bonner, Kara Cook, said the Albanese Labor Government was committed to the delivery of the Brisbane Metro Expansion Business Case, with $50 million provided to deliver a business case in the 25-26 Federal Budget.
“This is important work to understand the scope, route and cost of any potential northern extension to the Brisbane Metro network,” she said.
“Timing and delivery of business cases and on-the-ground construction is a responsibility of the Queensland Government.
“As such all queries on timing of the delivery of this project should be directed to them.
“We are committed to ensuring that Queensland has the infrastructure it needs for the 2032 Games, with $3.435 billion contribution to Games venue infrastructure, an investment that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Queenslanders.”
Cr Cassidy said worsening congestion across the city showed commuters deserved stronger leadership.
“Brisbane families stuck in traffic every day deserve better than a Lord Mayor who is asleep at the wheel,” he said.
“We need delivery, not delays.”
In response, a Schrinner Council spokesperson said Brisbane Metro had already proven its success and that planning for future extensions was continuing.
“More than six million passengers have already jumped on board Brisbane Metro, and it’s been a huge success,” the spokesperson said.
“While the Labor Opposition continues to oppose this transformative project, we’ve been busy progressing planning on future Metro extensions for more than a year.
“The expansion of Brisbane Metro is a long-term program that will be delivered in stages as planning is completed and funding is secured.
“The formal business case process is continuing.”
