Redland City Council is calling on the State Government to include in its Draft Regional Transport Plan an extension to Capalaba of the Eastern Busway and duplication of the Cleveland rail line as priority projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors unanimously supported a formal submission to the State’s draft transport plan that asked for a commitment to delivering these crucial projects and others of importance to Redlands Coast.

“State-controlled roads and public transport are key aspects of the transport network on Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study released in January showed State and Federal Government investment in transport needed to be increased to accommodate growth across the region, and it especially identified the Cleveland rail duplication and Eastern Busway as critical for the future of Redlands Coast.

“This echoes what we hear from residents every day, so it is disappointing that there is currently no commitment in the State’s Draft Regional Transport Plan to deliver these projects.

“The People Mass Movement Study identified Old Cleveland Road as already being beyond its capacity, but the State’s draft plan only includes a bus transit way from Coorparoo to Carindale and 10-year planning for the protection of the Cleveland rail line corridor.

“The major transport corridors into and out of Redlands Coast are owned by the State, traffic congestion on them is growing, and there are no plans to deliver significant improvements.

“Our submission will make it clear that we want the State Government to focus on upgrading their roads, including Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, as well as providing better island transport.

“Previously we have asked for the State Government to implement Translink bus services on our islands so our residents can get around faster, but so far our request has fallen on deaf ears, so we will ask again in the hope the State Government listens.

“This is a regional plan and there needs to be a regional solution that will help Redlands Coast residents, including islanders, get to Brisbane and beyond and help our neighbours come to visit and enjoy Redlands Coast.”