Budget lacks plan to get State moving
RACQ has welcomed the significant cost-of-living relief in today’s State Budget but has raised concerns about the lack of long-term transport planning.
RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said while the Budget rightly tackled immediate challenges for Queenslanders, the Government needed to think about the big picture.
"It’s a steady-as-she-goes Budget for roads and transport however we need to see more in the years to come,” Mr Cooney said.
“In nine years, this city is going to host the largest sporting event in the world, so we need to build infrastructure that can cope.
“Even putting the Games aside – right now we’re experiencing incredible population growth which is set to exceed six million by 2031.
“Where is the strategic planning to deal with this growth? Where’s the plan to keep Queensland moving? Not just on major arterial roads, but public and active transport.”
RACQ’s initial Budget analysis has not identified a commitment to a comprehensive strategy that will address congestion and adequately move people and freight around the State.
“Going one-out on individual projects won’t fix the enormous challenge that lies ahead. We need detailed planning for transport projects that will benefit the State for generations to come,” Mr Cooney said.
“We hope to see this when the new SEQ Regional Plan is released later in the year.”
The Club welcomed reduced driver licence fees as well as car rego fees being halved for Seniors with four-cylinder cars.
As one of the State’s largest insurers, RACQ was also pleased to see funding for disaster mitigation which partially matches a commitment from the Federal Government last week.
“We congratulate the State Government for investing in the Disaster Ready Fund which will see 42% of the national pool spent on 50 projects in Queensland. This is a win for a state so vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change.”
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