The Palaszczuk Labor Government has started works on the next stage of its $60 million Cleveland-Redland Bay Road upgrade, driving 99 jobs Redlands as it bounces back from COVID-19.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards today turned the sod for major construction at the Anita Street intersection, marking the start of duplication along the remaining stretch of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and another milestone in the Palaszczuk Government’s 10-year plan for Redland roads.
“Global economies have been hard-hit by COVID-19, and both Australia and Queensland have not been immune,” Ms Richards said.
“But Queensland’s ongoing health response means we can continue our plan for economy recovery, which means getting on with a record $23 billion transport and roads program, and delivering a further $1 billion in joint roads stimulus since April.
The Cleveland-Redland Bay Road project received an additional $15 million funding earlier as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $1 billion stimulus roads package.
“The LNP cut $600 million from Queensland’s road budget, but Labor has restored funding and is getting on with the job of building better roads for Redlands.
“From day dot, locals told me they want better local roads, transport and jobs. We’re delivering that with $60 million for Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, new ferry terminals for our Southern Moreton Bay Islands and more than $20 million in upgrades for Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said shovels on the ground for the project showed Labor’s strong record of delivering for Redlands, unlike the LNP whose only record on roads was to cut funding, sack a quarter of TMR staff and waste more than $100 million trying to sell off public assets.
“The LNP and Andrew Laming have done nothing for Redlands except waste taxpayer dollars on smear campaigns and petty political attacks. Kim Richards has worked around the clock to secure funding and jobs for her community, and is the reason why this upgrade is getting done,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s only the Palaszczuk Government who has a 10-year plan for Redlands roads. How can you trust the LNP, Laming and Deb Frecklington to put Redlands and Queensland first when they’ve called for the borders to open 64 times since COVID-19.
“The LNP want us all to forget they ignored Cleveland Redland Bay Rd, broke promises and gutted roads funding when they were last in office under Campbell Newman and they will do it again. It is in their DNA.”
“Andrew Laming’s sole achievement is the number of ridiculous stunts he’s pulled but he’s delivered zero dollars to upgrade Cleveland Redland Bay Road.”
Ms Richards said the signalised intersection and road widening through the Anita Street intersection would tackle congestion and safety issues on the road for families, businesses and the 200 households living on Anita Street.
“We are also improving safety for all users by installing a pedestrian crossing, upgrading footpaths and bike paths, and creating better links to public transport.
Ms Richards said while works get underway at Anita Street, the Palaszczuk Government would get on with the necessary leg work for duplicating the road north of the intersection like planning.
“It’s only the start of our plan for Cleveland Redland Bay Road duplication, busting congestion, improving safety and creating jobs on Redland roads.
“Local motorists will see plenty of action with trucks, road crews and traffic controllers on the ground building better roads, and I ask everyone to be safe and drive to conditions.
“We will start this heavy construction on this project by clearing the site, setting up site offices and carrying out drainage works.
“This $60 million program will not only make sure we have better roads in Redlands, but also create a steady pipeline in construction jobs as we unite and recover from COVID-19.”
