The Bruce Highway bottleneck will be no-more, with two extra lanes to be built between Caboolture and Caloundra effectively 6-laning the Bruce from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the budget measure announced by Treasurer Scott Morrison was a fantastic outcome for the region.
“$530 million has been committed in the budget for works on the Bruce Highway between Pine Rivers and Caloundra,” Mr O’Brien said.
“That builds on the $929.3 million already committed for the Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway upgrade and the fast tracked $187 million to deliver the Maroochydore Road Interchange upgrade'”
“That’s a total of more than $1.6 billion.
“Never before has more money been spent by the Federal Government for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Investing in the Bruce Highway is critical with the Coast’s population forecast to grow from 330,000 residents to 500,000 by 2031.
“The Coalition Government is clearly taking a keen interest in the Sunshine Coast and providing real support and tangible outcomes for our region.
The funding is subject to the standard 80:20 split between the Federal and State Governments.
“All we need is $132.5 million from the State Government to complete the project.
“Upgrading the Bruce to six lanes will increase our competitiveness with the Gold Coast in the lucrative South East Queensland drive tourism market.
“It will also be a huge win for Coast residents who travel to Brisbane for work. Reducing congestion will mean a faster commute, leaving more time for workers to enjoy our fantastic Sunshine Coast lifestyle with their families,” Mr O’Brien said.
Ted O’Brien also acknowledged the role “Team Queensland” played in securing the funding outcome.
“This was a high priority issue for Team Queensland,” he said in reference to the 21 MPs and 5 senators who have been working together to maximise their political clout for the betterment of the State.
He also thanked the Minister for Infrastructure Darren Chester for his continued support of Team Queensland and local Bruce Highway investment.
For more information on all Bruce Highway upgrade projects, see here.