Queensland Labor has overtaken the LNP on a congestion-busting plan by releasing Slow Lane: State of Congestion, an issues paper about the state’s failing transport system under Premier David Crisafulli.
Labor’s second issues paper – which will guide future policy - highlights the transport challenges facing Queenslanders including increasing congestion, higher fuel prices and less reliable public transport.
It will build upon Labor’s fuel affordability laws which would cap increases to no more than 5 cents a day and strengthen price reporting obligations.
Despite Brisbane having the highest petrol prices of the five largest capital cities this month, the LNP has signalled it will block the laws even with the RACQ saying it will save motorists at the bowser.
New Treasury data, analysed by the Opposition, shows southeast fuel stations increased fuel by more than 5 cents on 2,139 occasions between September 27 and October 26.
The paper also highlights how the Crisafulli LNP Government has paused, cut and delayed transport projects, driving Queenslanders into a generation of congestion.
That's despite new data showing Brisbane drivers are losing 10 workdays a year stuck in congestion, and nine days for those on the Gold Coast.
Under the Crisafulli LNP Government it will only get worse because they've cut, paused and delayed projects, including:
- stalled the Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel and associated public transport infrastructure until after 2032
- cut funding for Stage 2 of the Coomera Connector
- delayed the Rockhampton Ring Road opening by two years
- cut the proposed rail to Maroochydore to buses
- cut the planned removal of the Coopers Plains level crossing
- cut Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4
- cut the Mount Crosby Interchange
- cut the Birdwood Velobridge
- deferred and delayed the Pacific Motorway upgrade at Daisy Hill
- delayed the Metro Expansion business case until mid-2028
- scrapped plans for active transport between Woodridge and Kingston and Compton Road to Kuraby
- delayed the opening of the Cross River Rail by at least two years
Queenslanders know the transport system is failing them and it’s about time there was a plan that delivered less time in traffic and more time together.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Labor Leader Steven Miles:
“As someone who spends more than two hours a day on our roads, I know the frustration our transport system is causing Queenslanders every day.
“David Crisafulli promised generational infrastructure, but this issues paper reveals he is only delivering generation congestion.
“Queensland can’t afford to standstill and stop investing in transport infrastructure until after the Olympic Games, we need to keep the state moving.
“Queensland needs a plan to break the shackles of congestion so we can all spend less time in traffic and more time together.”
Quotes attributable to Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish:
“Our roads, rail and buses need investment but instead the Crisafulli LNP Government has delayed what was in the pipeline and stopped planning altogether.
“Queenslanders who are already losing 10 workdays a year to congestion are facing more gridlock hell if the Premier doesn’t release his brakes on transport progress.
“The Premier’s decision to delay the infrastructure we need now will only condemn Queenslanders to more congestion when we don’t have the infrastructure we need in the future.”
