Caboolture River Road is set for a significant upgrade after securing $71 million in funding to improve traffic flow and support the burgeoning Waraba Priority Development Area (PDA).
This investment forms part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, which aims to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. Over the next four decades, Waraba is projected to provide approximately 30,000 new homes for an estimated 70,000 residents and 17,000 jobs across various sectors.
The Caboolture River Road upgrade will be crucial in managing increased traffic and providing essential access to this growing community.
The upgrade will see the existing road between Grant Road and Morayfield Road transformed into a four-lane carriageway featuring two lanes in each direction. Additionally, new cycling and pedestrian paths will be constructed on both sides of the road, promoting active transport and enhancing safety for all road users. This project is part of Queensland’s $100-million contribution to the SEQ City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC).
The GAC focuses on providing vital infrastructure to support new and existing communities in growth areas like Waraba. Last month, $13 million in GAC funding was allocated towards wastewater infrastructure in Lilywood, the first suburb within the Waraba PDA.
State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure to meet the growing community’s needs. She highlighted that the upgrade will benefit Waraba and improve traffic flow and road safety for existing residents in Morayfield and Caboolture.
Morayfield MP Mark Ryan acknowledged the challenges of managing growth and stressed the importance of efficient and safe transport infrastructure. He expressed his strong support for the project and its potential to improve the quality of life for residents.
Acting Mayor of Moreton Bay Jodie Shipway welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of the SEQ City Deal in supporting the region’s development.
She acknowledged the need for critical infrastructure investment to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth. She expressed the council’s commitment to working with the Queensland government on future planning and infrastructure projects.
However, the planned upgrade has also sparked concern among residents about its impact on koala habitats. A petition circulating in Morayfield has gathered over 300 signatures, calling on the council to reconsider a development application at 116-140 Caboolture River Road, which residents believe poses a threat to koalas, who rely on the trees in the area for shelter and sustenance.
The petition highlights Queensland’s significant decline in koala populations over the past 20 years, primarily due to habitat loss. With koalas already facing an uphill battle for survival, residents are urging the council to prioritise the protection of these vulnerable animals and their habitat.
Published Date 01-October-2024
Photo Credit: MoretonBay
