Moreton Bay is pleading for infrastructure investment from Queensland authorities as it grapples with booming population growth.
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This comes as the region expects to add 240 new residents per week over the next 25 years. As one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, Moreton Bay urgently requires upgraded roads, public transport, water facilities and other infrastructure to meet the needs of new residents.
Currently ranked the fifth fastest growing local government, the population influx is placing strain on existing infrastructure.
Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted that the pressure on Bruce Highway from this growth has spilled over, resulting in unbearable east-west delays across the region. He added that infrastructure west of Bruce Highway will be particularly important, as it will contain 70 percent of future development.
Affordable housing is also an issue, with rents consuming 38 percent of incomes for renters in northern Moreton Bay. Mayor Flannery suspects the region has been short-changed on infrastructure funding from the state government across the board.
The Moreton Bay Regional Council estimates approximately 92 new homes must be constructed weekly to house the anticipated population. This year, the council already approved a massive development in Waraba (formerly Caboolture West) that will eventually accommodate 70,000 residents.
Residents have also complained about rapidly declining mobility, with some trips now taking 15 minutes longer even outside of peak times. The lack of public transport is also resulting in increased traffic congestion, according to the council.
As Moreton Bay continues on its population growth trajectory, the council will continue appealing to the state government for a fair share of infrastructure investment. Upgrades to transport, utilities, and community facilities are urgently required to maintain livability and mobility for new and existing residents alike.
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Moreton Bay hopes the needs of Queensland’s fastest growing area will not be overlooked during this period of rapid expansion.
Featured image credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Published 18-December-2023
