MAYOR Karen Williams says the Redlands would benefit from a proposed City Deal that would see a significant federal government boost for south-east Queensland.
Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said in Canberra on Tuesday that he and Prime Minister Scott Morrison would meet with south-east Queensland mayors to discuss the deal.
The same day in Brisbane Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Council of Mayors (SEQ) chair Graham Quirk released the TransformingSEQ proposal that included 35 opportunities that could be considered as part of the City Deal.
The proposal mentions the Eastern Busway extension to Carindale and ultimately Capalaba to support the Brisbane Metro and the upgrade of the Cleveland rail line to enable increased frequencies.
Cr Williams said the south-east Queensland councils together had the power to negotiate what would be a region-shaping deal for communities.
“Redlands Coast would benefit greatly from a SEQ City Deal, with the potential to deliver better outcomes on the locally important issues of transport infrastructure, internet/mobile connectivity, health, and small business and innovation,” Cr Williams said.
“Some of the issues we are facing – such as the urgently needed Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail line duplication – demand a regional approach because they cross council boundaries and require significant financial and infrastructure commitments.
“I believe south-east Queensland has a strong case for a City Deal, which would facilitate better collaboration between all three tiers of government and private enterprise.”
Bowman federal MP Andrew Laming said decent duplicated roads to Brisbane, duplicated rail and an extended Eastern Busway should be front and centre of a south-east Queensland City Deal.
Cr Williams said the timing was right for the regional proposal as the federal election was looming.
“An SEQ City Deal would see the state and federal governments sign a long-term commitment with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to deliver the projects needed across the region, providing security for our residents that the projects will be delivered even if governments change,” Cr Williams said.
The Australian government has signed four City Deals – for Darwin, Launceston, Townsville and Western Sydney – since 2016 and four are under negotiation.
