Managing Director and Group CEO David Carter said the Club has been a strong advocate for extending Metro services to other parts of South East Queensland as a key initiative to cater for the region’s surging population.

“It’s great to see Brisbane City Council’s proposal to extend their Metro picking up speed with the aim to create an affordable, high-quality and viable public transport network for the region,” Mr Carter said.

“Our members have made it clear to us that transport planning is a priority and getting it right has never been more important for SEQ with the Olympic and Paralympic Games only eight years away.

“Queenslanders ranked plan and build for growth as their third highest priority in our recent State Election survey, with 17.1% of respondents saying it was their most important issue.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the outcome of the proposed business case to determine the feasibility of expanding the Metro south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, north to Carseldine and connecting to the DFO and the Brisbane Airport.”

RACQ welcomed support for Brisbane City Council’s Metro extension from other SEQ Councils and the State Government and encouraged the Federal Government to also help deliver this business case and any future investments required.

Upgrading active transport networks is also a key focus for RACQ as a relatively low-cost solution to ease growing congestion and was welcomed as part of Brisbane’s Games Transport Legacy.

“We believe Brisbane City Council’s vision to implement mobility superhighways would be one of the most cost-effective ways to alleviate traffic woes on Brisbane’s major roads leading in and out of the inner city, and this is something RACQ continues to advocate for,” Mr Carter said.

“SEQ has historically lacked a bold long-term transport vision, and its communities have been paying the price. It’s time we had a plan that enables all modes of transport to complement each other and provide residents with more options and affordability.

“By focusing investment on public and active transport infrastructure and services, commuters will have more choice, and the more people choosing to ride bikes and scooters or catch the train and bus to work, the less people adding to traffic congestion.