A tender has been released which would see planning undertaken on 30 kilometres of the Centenary Highway between Darra and Yamanto.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the $1 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government would support the local community now and into the future.
“We’re delivering record amounts in roads and transport through our $27.5 billion four-year plan, which includes over $1 million for this planning study,” Mr McCallum said.
“Doing the work now allows us to adequately prepare for future growth, and ensure that people through Darra and out to Yamanto have the safe and efficient access they need.
“The planning study joins over $3.3 billion in road and transport works being delivered in the Metropolitan region, which takes in the Ipswich Council area.
“That includes important upgrades at our train stations, building more environmentally sustainable buses, delivering EV infrastructure and upgrading our roads.
“We expect planning to be completed in 2023.”
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the region was growing and roads like the Centenary Highway needed to keep pace.
“We know that Queensland is the place to be by the sheer volume of people choosing to live in the Sunshine State,” Ms Mullen said.
“This planning study will lay the foundations for a more accessible, safe and resilient transport network that meets the needs of the communities it services.
“What we aim to do is plan and protect for the future of the Centenary Highway and understand how we can deliver better transport options for the growing region.”
Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said study could yield promising results for surrounding communities.
"We are only at the beginning of a process that will enable the Palaszczuk Government to plan and cater for future and continued growth in the south and west,” Ms Pugh said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is carrying out this study because we know how many businesses are setting up in the Southwest jobs corridor.
“It’s a rapidly growing economic precinct and undertaking these planning works will future proof this growing section of southwest corridor.
“Any potential work down the line will also support contractors and workers to help communities recover from floods and COVID-19.”
Mr McCallum said the study was an exciting opportunity to ensure the western suburbs remained efficiently and safely connected to the southeast transport network.
"Long-term planning for future transport corridors ensures Queensland’s transport system continues to connect people, places, goods and services as our state grows,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our western communities reap the benefits of an improved transport experience.”
Further project stages, including the development of the remainder of the corridor, is subject to funding availability and competing state-wide priorities.
