The proposal aligns strongly with Queensland Government strategies, policies and detailed planning studies that focus on the efficiency of the road network and supporting population growth. The program is less aligned with strategies for a sustainable transport network, as it encourages more people to drive and fewer people to take public or active transport. 

The program forms an integrated solution with the existing road transport network. However, there is no connectivity planned with existing bus and rail networks and no scope to do so in the future. This is a shortcoming of the program and contributes to the forecast induced demand.  

In the short-term, the program will make trips faster, more reliable and safer, particularly for those travelling from Moreton Bay and surrounding areas using the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway.  

However, network performance will peak in the early 2030s and will reduce rapidly due to more people choosing to drive along the corridor (as new journeys or from other routes) due to the upgrades.  

By the early 2040s, the proponent’s modelling forecasts that the network conditions will have deteriorated significantly and be a similar to a situation without upgrades.  

Deliverability 

The proponent is experienced in delivering major road infrastructure and there is confidence in their capability to deliver the projects.  

However, it is likely the program schedule and budget will be at risk given the scale of the works on a ‘live’ road network. Development of a master program schedule would improve the understanding of the dependencies and sequencing of delivery. 

High residual risks include impacts to groundwater levels and contamination, environment and approvals, stakeholders (including local community, interest groups, political factors, negative media), public utility plant, available funding and acceptable level of network performance.  

Next Steps 

We recommend the proponent provides the Australian Government with an updated delivery plan showing how they will deliver all parts of the program and manage key risks like market readiness, approvals, and traffic disruptions.  

Additionally, the proponent should outline the long-term plans for the corridor that reduce car use, support public transport, and use smart technology to meet future needs. 

We recommend the proponent provides updated cost and delivery information to the Australian Government to inform future investment decisions for other parts of the program, including the Gympie Arterial Road – Strathpine Road to interchange with Gateway Motorway, and Gateway Motorway – Nudgee to Bracken Ridge.