Queensland's transport legacy must last beyond the podium
Queensland’s population is expected to reach almost 6 million by 2046 – roughly the size of Greater Sydney today. We know our state is a great place to live, work and raise a family, however preserving that liveability will depend on smarter transport planning that keeps pace with our growth.
We need more than a series of isolated projects. This challenge demands a long-term vision for a connected and integrated transport network that links people to jobs, education, food supply, goods, services and opportunities, regardless of where they live.
The need for that long-term approach is already evident. RACQ's latest data shows congestion is increasing across SEQ as population growth continues to place pressure on existing infrastructure. More than 70% of key SEQ road sections are now slower during peak hour than in 2019.
While Brisbane has the foundations of a comprehensive ring road network, important links remain incomplete, limiting network efficiency and placing additional pressure on key routes.
Addressing those gaps will be critical to supporting productivity, improving connectivity and maintaining the lifestyle that continues to attract people to our region. But planning for growth cannot stop at SEQ’s boundaries.
Stronger transport links between SEQ and its neighbouring regions will also become increasingly important to support the movement of people and freight to enable economic growth, employment opportunities and provide for our growing population.
Achieving that outcome will require a network-wide perspective on future infrastructure needs. Some of the region's busiest corridors highlight why a broader network plan is so important.
Rather than focusing on individual upgrades, a road tunnel network further west of Gympie Road may better serve the region’s long-term needs by linking the Centenary Motorway north to a future Bruce Highway alternative, with east-west connections through to Stafford Road and Airport Link.
Expanding Brisbane Metro to growing outer suburban communities, improving bus services on key corridors and strengthening connections between public transport options would provide practical, cost-effective ways to move more people around while easing pressure on congested roads.
Most importantly, the focus must be on integration. As SEQ grows, more people will travel by road, rail, bus and active transport. Success will depend on ensuring each mode works together as part of a connected network that gives people genuine choice about how they travel.
With six years until the 2032 Games, Queensland has an opportunity to make the investments that will shape how our region moves beyond the podium.
The planning decisions we make today should not just be guided by the needs of the next six years, but by the legacy we want to leave for the next 20, 30 and even 100 years. By putting long-term strategic transport planning at the centre of the agenda, we can ensure SEQ remains connected, productive and liveable as it continues to grow.
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