With the State Budget being delivered today, Better Transport Queensland (BTQ) says this year’s funding decisions will determine whether Queensland’s transport network is ready for the post‑Olympics decade of rapid growth.
BTQ is calling for the Budget to deliver targeted investment in public transport across the state, particularly in fast‑growing communities and regional centres where demand is outpacing current services.
1. Early Funding for Emerging Communities and Better Housing Outcomes
Managing high population growth and housing pressure, particularly in SEQ, is a major priority. Despite this, many emerging greenfield communities such as Yarrabilba and Caboolture West still lack adequate transport infrastructure. BTQ says early funding is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes where new suburbs were built without the essential public transport services they needed, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on cars for decades.
At the same time, BTQ says the Government must use the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, along with any federal housing commitments, to focus new housing in areas that already have strong transport links. Prioritising transport-oriented development (TOD) would allow Queensland to deliver affordable housing in well located places without adding to the backlog of unfunded infrastructure and repeating the mistakes of the past.
“Early investment prevents car dependence from becoming entrenched,” Mr Gray said.
2. Comprehensive Network Review
BTQ is calling for a full review of SEQ’s network to modernise service patterns and improve frequency. This should include:
- A high‑frequency funding program, targeting 75% of residents within 800 metres of a frequent route
- Upgrading key corridors across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast
- Reducing duplication of bus services so resources can be reallocated to improve frequency and coverage where it is needed most
These upgrades would reduce wait times and support all‑day, turn‑up‑and‑go travel.
3. Bus Priority Infrastructure
BTQ is calling for targeted investment in:
- Bus lanes and transit lanes on Old Cleveland Road, Gympie Road, and Ipswich Road
- Intersection priority treatments, including queue jumps and signal priority
- Stronger enforcement to ensure priority measures function as intended
BTQ also supports progressing the Capalaba BRT corridor to demonstrate the benefits of high‑capacity bus infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Games.
4. Regional Queensland Investment
BTQ is calling for a coordinated package to improve frequency and connectivity across regional Queensland, including:
- High‑frequency routes in Cairns, Townsville, and Toowoomba
- A frequent Cairns Airport link
- A Translink funded Ipswich to Toowoomba service
These improvements would strengthen regional mobility and economic participation.
5. Expanding the QTMP Fleet
BTQ is calling for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program to expand from 65 to 105 trains to meet Olympic‑period demand, support future rail extensions, and improve network resilience.
An expanded fleet would reduce reliance on ageing rollingstock and secure long‑term manufacturing jobs at Torbanlea.
6. Progressing Future Major Projects
To avoid a post‑Olympics infrastructure cliff, BTQ is calling for funding to advance planning and enabling works for:
- Progressing the Springfield to Ipswich rail project with an initial extension to Yamanto
- Beaudesert Line – Stage 1
- The Wave – Stage 3 (as heavy rail)
- Gold Coast Heavy Rail Extension
- Gold Coast Light Rail Extension to the Airport
“These projects must be shovel‑ready as Olympic‑related works wrap up to ensure there is no loss of momentum in Queensland’s transport pipeline,” Mr Gray said.
Quotes attributable to Rowan Gray, Better Transport Queensland President
“Queensland’s growth is not slowing down, and our public transport network needs to keep pace. These investments are essential for a fair, connected, and sustainable future.”
“Early funding for emerging communities is one of the smartest decisions the Government can make. If we wait until people move in, we have already locked them into car dependency.”
“Regional Queensland deserves the same level of ambition we apply to SEQ. High frequency routes, airport links, and inter regional services are the basic building blocks of a modern transport system.”
“Preparing the next wave of major projects now ensures we do not fall into an infrastructure drought after the Olympics. Queensland cannot afford to lose momentum.”
“Better public transport strengthens communities, supports local economies, and gives Queenslanders real choices about how they travel.”
Spokesperson
Rowan Gray - BTQ President
[email protected]
General Media Enquiries
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