Sunshine Coast Gridlock: Labor Finger-Pointing Creates Traffic Nightmare
Sunshine Coast residents are deeply disillusioned by the inaction of both the Federal and State Labor Governments regarding critical infrastructure funding on the Southern Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace stated that while the 2019 Budget allocated $5 million for the vital Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study, the Albanese Government's decision to delay $2.1 million throws a spanner into its progress and demonstrates the difference in approach of the former Coalition Government which allocated more than $5.8 billion since my election in 2016.
Coupled with the Queensland State Labor Government's failure to adequately address congested roads, leaving residents and businesses feeling abandoned.
"The Sunshine Coast deserves better than empty promises and political gamesmanship. State and Federal Labor have failed to secure the investment our community desperately needs. We need leadership, not finger-pointing between Brisbane and Canberra," stated Fisher MP Andrew Wallace.
The original study, a joint investment of $5.75 million aimed to create a comprehensive plan for improved access to Caloundra, Kawana, and surrounding areas. This included key traffic routes like the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way/East-West Link to Bells Creek Arterial and the Kawana Arterial link between Kawana Forest and the Sunshine Coast Motorway.
The inaction by both Federal and State Labor governments is particularly concerning when we consider further cuts made to other infrastructure projects across the Sunshine Coast region. Federal Labor’s decision to cut $7 million allocated in the 2021-22 Federal Budget for a new transport corridor connecting Nicklin Way to the CBD north of the Caloundra Road roundabout, is a major blow for Caloundra residents and commuters.
"Withholding funding and failing to deliver on previous commitments is a slap in the face to residents who face daily gridlock. Federal Labor's dithering and delays echoes the State Labor Government's lack of urgency. Labor is failing the Sunshine Coast," continued Mr. Wallace.
Enough is enough. We need both the Federal and State Labor Governments to get their act together. Release the remaining funds, collaborate effectively, and deliver a long-term solution for a safer, more efficient road network.
