MPs Don Brown and Kim Richards have launched a push to have Brisbane’s proposed $940 million high frequency bus system extended to the Redlands.
They called on Redland City Council and federal MP Andrew Laming to fund a business case for extending the Brisbane Metro to Capalaba and Victoria Point.
In a fiery response, mayor Karen Williams dubbed the appeal a social media stunt and challenged the MPs to deliver public transport improvements for the Redlands in the state budget.
“The business case for the Brisbane Metro cost $16 million, which would mean a 16 per cent increase in rates,” she said.
“How dare they lump residents with a massive rates increase. How dare they suggest our ratepayers should pay for state infrastructure.
“This is just cost-shifting. No previous state government has expected Redland ratepayers to fund their public transport systems and infrastructure.”
Mr Brown said the announcement of the Brisbane Metro as a high priority by Infrastructure Australia this week provided an opportunity for the Redlands.
“Projects like the Moreton rail link, Gold Coast light rail and now the Metro have come about by the co-operation of all three levels of government,” he said.
Mr Brown said councils were taken seriously when they put a business case forward.
He cited council’s ratepayer-funded campaign to leverage $120 million from the state government for the North Stradbroke Island economic transition strategy.
“The money they spent on the public campaign could have been used on a business case,” he said.
Cr Williams said it appeared the state MPs were trying to pull Redlands into a political stoush between the state and federal governments because Infrastructure Australia had not backed the Cross River Rail project.
“I’m not interested in political bun fights and our residents shouldn’t be used for political capital,” she said.
Cr Williams said in light of the MPs’ comments she had asked for metro capabilities to be included in an upgrade of the Capalaba CBD that was already planned.
Mr Brown said the federal government also should spend money to improve public transport for Redlands residents.
“The federal government hasn’t lifted a finger to deliver public transport in the Redlands,” he said.
Ms Richards said Mr Laming should secure funding and work with council on the proposed extension.
“We are committed to public transport for Redlands but unfortunately we are not supported by council or the Turnbull government,” she said.
Mr Laming said the state MPs wanted the federal government to fund the eastern busway so the Labor government did not have to.
“I am delighted to see the Metro planning for Brisbane but the eastern busway is solely state Labor’s responsibility,” he said.
“I am busy six-laning Green Camp Road. It is time for Labor MPs like Mr Brown and Ms Richards to fund the first road project since they were elected.
“Redlands has waited too long.”
Mr Brown said the state government was doing more than its fair share in providing public transport for Redlands.
“The Palaszczuk government announced the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project, a $25 million upgrade to Old Cleveland Road and saved workers travelling to the city from the Redlands $800 per year with the Fairer Fares reform.”
