The Queensland Government has been forced to go it alone after the Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor and the Northgate Ward Councillor have refused to match funding to investigate options to alleviate congestion.
Despite the Brisbane City Council controlling the local roads surrounding the rail crossing, the local LNP Councillor Adam Allan and LNP Lord Mayor have refused to come to the party with funding to support a joint study.
Local residents have previously expressed strong opposition to a costly rail overpass solution that would destroy the Banyo village, rather they are looking for other solutions to improve safety on the local roads in that area.
State Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard expressed her disappointment, saying the State being forced to go it alone isn’t an ideal outcome.
“As many locals know, I secured a $200,000 commitment from the Palaszczuk Government to fund a joint study with Brisbane City Council, the owners of the road network, prior to the 2020 election. Unfortunately, the Council has continuously declined to participate in the study so I have lobbied the Transport Minister to allow it to go ahead without their involvement.”
“It would be much better to have both levels of government working together – but I don’t believe our community should have to wait any longer to be consulted on potential options to improve safety at the crossing,” Leanne Linard MP.
Brisbane City Council Opposition Leader Councillor Jared Cassidy said Northside locals are getting fed up with their local LNP Councillor Adam Allan for refusing to progress upgrades to the Banyo Rail Crossing.
“Residents are paying more and more and getting less and less with this LNP Mayor in charge. Why is this LNP administration refusing to come to the table to improve the safety of the Banyo Rail Crossing?” BCC Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy
Residents shared Ms Linard’s disappointment that the State has had to go it alone:-
“It’s a massive shame that council aren’t involved. They are responsible for the majority of options that would make a meaningful difference. Providing viable alternatives to cars driving through the precinct is the only way to reduce cars driving through the precinct.” Banyo resident.
Others expressed their gratitude to Ms Linard for her efforts:
“Thank you so much for this, we are struggling with the increase of traffic both foot and vehicles.” Banyo resident.
Leanne Linard said the study will look at different options to improve the traffic situation while ensuring that the local shopping precinct remains both vibrant and accessible, committing to engaging with local residents.
“Once the study is complete, I will make sure our local community are fully consulted on any identified options and I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of residents for any road or rail improvements by BCC or Queensland Rail.”
Local residents who would like more information are encouraged to contact Leanne Linard’s Nudgee Electorate Office at (07) 3638 7100.
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