Council advocates for improved transport and mobility outcomes

Redland City Council will continue to advocate to the Queensland Government for better transport outcomes for Redlands Coast.

Council resolved at this week’s General Meeting to make a submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on the Queensland Government’s Bayside and Redlands Transport and Mobility Study.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said it was anticipated the study would identify key transport initiatives to service the city through to 2046, in response to urban development and growth identified in the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Regional Plan Update (Shaping SEQ 2023).

“For the past two years, Redland City Council officers have been involved in a working group with other key stakeholders to consider potential transport options and responses to address transport needs and requirements now and into the future,” the Mayor said.

“TMR has undertaken community consultation for this study and will also consider feedback from Council.

“The submission endorsed this week highlights a number of matters Council believes the Queensland Government should address when finalising the transport and mobility study.”

The study area covers the Redland City mainland and part of Brisbane City east of the Gateway Motorway and south of the Brisbane River. It excludes the islands in Moreton Bay and the eastern tip of Logan City, where several prominent existing and proposed transport networks run from Redland City.

Council’s submission advocates that the transport needs of residents, visitors and business operators on the islands should be addressed in the study as there are significant challenges experienced on both the island and mainland landing areas that require a collaborative approach by the Queensland Government and Council.

These include the inadequacy of access by a range of modes at these destinations, growing and peak holiday parking demands and queuing issues associated with the barges.

The submission also states the study should address connectivity to the Coomera Connector and Logan Motorway and consider public transport services from Redland City to Loganholme and the Staplyton/Beenleigh area.

Other matters Council submits should be addressed in the study include:

A review of capacity on Rickertt Road/Quarry Road as a major transport route connecting Redland and Brisbane cities.A strategic review of the current road network in order to address the anticipated growth in travel and other transport needs.Transport requirements for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the duplication of the Cleveland rail line between Manly and Cleveland, and extending the Eastern Busway from Stones Corner to Capalaba. In the interim, Council urges the Queensland Government to fast track the provision of passing loops on the Cleveland line, through duplicating tracks at Ormiston and Birkdale stations.Prioritising upgrades at major intersections, which improve safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, riders and people with limited mobility.Funding to improve the pedestrian and riding network between and around centres and for links between Redland and Brisbane cities.A request that trips on the ferry services to Minjerribah and Coochiemudlo Island be included in the six-month 50 cent capped fares for bus, train and ferry services.Identify travel behaviour change initiatives that limit growth of trips undertaken by private vehicles in an effort to reduce congestion on the road network and increase demand for more parking.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.