Local candidates asked to support projects for region's prosperity
Local candidates will be asked to support key projects identified by Scenic Rim Regional Council for the region's future prosperity in the lead-up to next month's Federal election.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the support of local candidates for major projects such as Mount Lindesay Highway, Inland Rail, Bromelton State Development Area (SDA) and the 2032 Olympics was vital for the region's economic prosperity.
“Scenic Rim has dealt with the challenges of a long series of significant natural disaster impacts and has continued to show the resilience and capacity to grow and maintain a positive outlook and continue to generate strong economic performance," he said.
"We’ve identified a range of strategic enablers that are critical to the region’s growth that we need our local candidates and major political parties to support that impact our residents and local businesses.
"Major infrastructure projects such as upgrading the Mt Lindesay Highway, Inland Rail connectivity to the Port of Brisbane and the expansion of large-scale industries present a wealth of opportunities for the future growth and development of our region.
"We are a large region with many towns and villages, meaning every economic activity relies on safe, effective road-based transport connectivity for both logistics movements, commuter movements and our visitor economy.
"The Bromelton SDA encompasses more than 15,600 hectares of industrial land and has significant potential for future growth, particularly with Inland Rail currently under construction.
"With the imminent arrival of Inland Rail, proximity to Brisbane and the Port of Brisbane, Bromelton SDA has the potential to become the new logistics hub for south east Queensland over the next 20 years.
"Council will continue to advocate for a high-speed freight corridor to Brisbane to further support Inland Rail and the Bromelton SDA."
Council will also seek the ongoing support of local candidates for the recently approved South East Queensland City Deal that included $2.1 million to improve transport and freight route planning. Further support will be required for infrastructure to improve service reliability and safety along critical routes like the Mt Lindesay Highway.
"We are also seeking the support of local candidates for the upgraded transport links required for hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to facilitate the rowing venue at Wyaralong and related access needs," Cr Christensen said.
"The support of candidates is needed now to increase mobile and digital coverage and reliable connectivity in our region. Scenic Rim communities need to be considered as equals and not poor relations to the region's urbanised neighbours.
"Council has welcomed the response to prior advocacy that has seen the Federal Government co-fund upgrades along the Mt Lindsey Highway which is a State Road corridor. This recognition of the vital role it plays in safe logistics and commuter movement is a welcome foundation to seek continued investment to see it more flood resilient and accommodate economic performance.
"The bridge replacement program is a strong example of how a sustained long term focus can deliver tangible access benefits for our rural communities and ensure reliable transport access.
"We are urging candidates to commit their support for Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements and to support projects for the region to improve its resilience and minimise the impact of future natural disasters. Without the disaster relief funding support, Scenic Rim Regional Council would not have been able to absorb the extensive damage bills across successive events."
Key priorities
- Mt Lindesay Highway upgrading to improve efficiency and safety, creating a major freight access route to Brisbane.
- Inland Rail connectivity with a highly efficient, dedicate high-speed freight corridor from Kagaru to Port of Brisbane
- City Deals - agreed commitment to the 20 year program
- Water for Warrill - investigate the viability of a range of infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to deliver reliable, high priority water to the Warrill and Fassifern Valleys.
- 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games - transport links needed to facilitate venues within Scenic Rim
- Climate Change and Biodiversity - including biosecurity such as maintaining Fire Ant Program
- Increased mobile and digital coverage and reliable connectivity across the region
- Electric Vehicle Super Highway - does not pass through the Scenic Rim region despite being located in SEQ.
- Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements Support
- Commitment to Financial Assistance Grants (as it relates to the formula) and review of Tied and Untied Grants Program to be relevant to the Australian Government grants, such as:
- Building Better Regions
- Bridge Renewal Program
- National Heavy Vehicle Program.