Labor MPs unite to demand action on the Centenary Highway

Six Labor MPs representing communities along the Centenary Highway corridor have united to
launch a petition demanding the Crisafulli LNP Government commit to long-overdue upgrades on
one of South East Queensland’s most congested roads.

The campaign is focused on securing the next stages of planning and future works for both the Darra
to Yamanto and Darra to Toowong sections of the highway, as traffic pressure across the western
corridor continues to intensify.

The former Labor Government committed $3.2 million towards planning for the Darra to Yamanto
section, with that work now complete and ready for the next stage of funding.

For the Darra to Toowong section, both Federal and former State Labor Governments committed to
progressing a plan for future upgrades, backed by $10m in Federal funding. Despite this, there have
been no public updates on the project since September 2024.

The MPs say the Crisafulli Government must now commit to progressing both projects, particularly
after the Centenary Highway was removed from the 2026 Infrastructure Priority List earlier this year.
The petition is now open for community support.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CentenaryHighwayPlan

Quotes attributed to Charis Mullen MP, State Member for Jordan

“Greater Springfield has become synonymous with highway congestion, and that is not the legacy
our community deserves. The section between Exits 31 and 33 needs to be urgently duplicated and
the on and off ramps reviewed.”

“Labor started the planning work because we recognised how desperately action is needed on the
Centenary Highway. Now the Crisafulli Government needs to commit to keeping things moving
because we cannot afford to fall further behind as growth across the western corridor continues to
accelerate.”

Quotes attributed to Jess Pugh MP, State Member for Mount Ommaney

“Locals have been raising concerns about the Fig Tree Pocket on and off ramps for years, and during
TMR’s last round of consultation it was consistently highlighted as one of the community’s top
priorities. The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is an important step forward, but Fig Tree Pocket has long
been another major congestion point for Brisbane’s western suburbs and it’s clear more work is
needed to keep traffic moving.”

“We can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal when it comes to infrastructure in the western
suburbs. Locals want to see a real long term plan to tackle congestion, and Fig Tree Pocket is a big
part of that.”

Quotes attributed to Lance McCallum MP, State Member for Bundamba

“Under the LNP funding for Centenary Highway upgrades has come to a standstill, just like
commuters stuck in the daily congestion.”

“We need a safe pedestrian crossing at Ripley urgently and the lack of investment means locals are
paying the price in longer commute times, especially given the rapid growth from Springfield to
Ripley.”

Quotes attributed to Jennifer Howard MP, State Member for Ipswich

“Families across Ipswich are paying the price every single day for congestion and chronic
underinvestment on the Centenary Highway. Even though only a small section sits within my
electorate, the flow-on impacts are felt right across our community by commuters trying to get to
work, parents doing the school run and local businesses relying on efficient transport links.

“Our rapidly growing region cannot afford to be ignored. This State Budget must deliver meaningful
investment in the Centenary Highway to ease congestion, improve safety and ensure our road
network keeps pace with growth in the western corridor.”

Quotes attributed to Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West

“This government’s inaction on the Centenary Highway speaks to their broader contempt for the
Ipswich region. Across Ipswich West and surrounds, the LNP is sitting on infrastructure upgrades
which have already been funded by the Federal Government or the former State Government. Why
is our community still waiting?

"We are Queensland’s fastest growing region, yet this government refuses to take decisive action on
our infrastructure needs. We deserve better.”

Quotes attributed to Margie Nightingale MP, State Member for Inala

"Anyone who drives the Centenary Highway knows it’s failing to keep up with our growing
community. It shouldn't cost local families precious time with their kids and extra money at the
bowser just to get home safely."

"Labor recognised that a growing Inala desperately needs a safer, better Centenary Highway. The
LNP’s decision to walk away from that promise shows just how out of touch they are with our outer
suburbs and people across Inala will rightly feel let down.”