The Turnbull Government is acting to provide critical upgrades to the M1 Motorway to deliver safer, less congested roads for the people of Queensland. 

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the $1 billion investment will mean people in Bonner spend less time in traffic and more time with their families, improving the quality of life for residents in his electorate and South-east Queensland. 

“These upgrades will allow Bonner commuters and families to get to where they need to be quicker and safer, whether it’s work, school, or a trip down to the Coast,” Mr Vasta said.

“We’ve already committed funding to widen the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Rochedale from four to five lanes, and construction is due to start soon. This project will also help reduce peak hour congestion for Bonner residents.”

“This work will ease congestion and improve safety, helping to future-proof the corridor against growing traffic demands.”

The Turnbull Government is committing $1 billion for the construction of two high-priority upgrade projects – one between Varsity Lakes and Tugun on the Gold Coast end of the M1 Corridor, the other between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill within the Brisbane urban area.

The Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill project is expected to include widening the motorway from six to eight lanes, ramp consolidation, managed motorways technology, extending the busway to Springwood, supporting bus priority south of Springwood and better active transport connections between centres.

Consistent with other major infrastructure projects in urban areas, the Turnbull Government will make this commitment based on a 50:50 funding share arrangement with the Queensland Government for both projects. 

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the M1 was one of the most important and heavily congested routes in Queensland with nearly 30 million tonnes of freight moving between New South Wales and Queensland each year and between 50,000 and 155,000 vehicles per day using sections of the M1 from Springwood to Tugun.

“Investing in priority upgrades is critical to keep Queensland moving by reducing congestion and supporting future traffic demand,” Mr Fletcher said.

The Turnbull Government has previously committed funding to two projects on the M1 which are scheduled to commence construction in coming weeks: $115 million for the M1 Pacific Motorway – Gateway Merge and $110 million for the M1 Pacific Motorway – Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes project. These new projects will complement these two existing commitments. 

Queensland’s rail freight needs will soon be drawn into sharp focus with the Australian and Queensland Governments formally agreeing to canvass options on how to best serve one of the nation’s most important ports.

A jointly-funded $1.5 million study announced this week will look at the feasibility of options for improved rail freight connections to the Port of Brisbane from Acacia Ridge.

“Inland Rail will connect our regions with the ports and with the world, boosting our local economy and creating local jobs,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to investing in vital infrastructure projects to ease congestion, increase productivity and generate new opportunities in local communities.”

“This investment shows the Turnbull Government understands the pressures faced by locals and we are determined to ease their burdens, so they can spend more time doing what matters, like spending time with their families rather than stuck in transit.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said freight connections with the Port of Brisbane were critical in supporting south-east Queensland’s continued economic growth and development.

“Infrastructure Australia identified a dedicated rail freight line servicing the Port of Brisbane as a high priority initiative and this is one of the options which will be investigated as part of the study,” Mr McCormack said.

“Inland Rail is a strategic investment in Australia’s infrastructure future and the Port of Brisbane study will examine the possibility of a dedicated freight link from the Port.

“Significant analysis was undertaken as part of the 2015 Inland Rail Business Case which found the existing line could continue to service the port until 2030. The new joint study will now assess a range of immediate and long-term options to ensure freight continues to move efficiently.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said in addition to the feasibility of improved rail freight connections to the Port, the study would also be looking at demand and existing infrastructure capacity.

“Last year the Queensland Government announced it would fully fund and deliver the Cross River Rail Project and work has already started. Clearly, we need to understand what these projects will mean for the movement of rail freight,” Mr Bailey said.

“I expect that freight flows may change as a result of these network-shaping projects and increased interactions with the suburban passenger network.

“The views of key stakeholders such as the Port of Brisbane, Brisbane City Council, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, Queensland Rail and the Australian Rail Track Corporation will be sought as part of the study.

“The outcomes of the study will help to inform the need for a future business case and corridor protection, if required.”

Independent specialist advisers will be engaged to undertake the study which is expected to be completed in the next 12 months.

Year 6 Carina State School student Jess Kelly has been named the winner of the Commonwealth Games Supporters banner competition held by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

Mr Vasta presented Jess with a Commonwealth Games merchandise prize pack at her school assembly, with her mother Michelle Kelly looking on.

Jess said when designing the banner, she thought about the Games, the Games’ mascot, and this year’s competitors.

“I also wanted to remind anyone that is watching to never give up on what you’re trying,” Jess said.

Her mother Michelle said she was extremely proud of Jessica and her efforts.

“Jess is very excited to take her prize winnings with us when we attend the shooting event at Belmont next month. Thank you to Ross for the amazing prizes and thank you to Jessica's teacher Bronwyn Wood for encouraging the children to express their interest and deliver the entries on time,” Ms Kelly said.

Carina State School teacher Bronwyn Wood said the competition was a great learning experience for her students.

“They had to think about their colour choices, the shapes and designs and what would be the most persuasive slogans to support the targeted audience. It was surprising to see the students come up with suggestions such as: ‘Try your best’, ‘Be a good sport’, ‘We'll be proud of the effort you put in’. It was a great lesson for teaching the students about previous Commonwealth and Olympic Games and the culture that comes with these activities,” Mrs Wood said.

Mr Vasta said he looked forward to taking Jess’s banner to the Commonwealth Games and waving it proudly.

“I want to thank Jessica and the many talented students who shared their designs. It was great seeing their creativity and enthusiasm for the Games!” Mr Vasta said.

More than 35 residents from Gumdale, Wakerley and surrounding suburbs attended a crime mobile office hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, and State Member for Chatsworth, Steve Minnikin, at Wakerley Park on Saturday morning.

The crime mobile office gave local residents the opportunity to share their crime and safety concerns with local police officers. Senior Sergeant Mark Norrish and Senior Sergeant Tony Brown from Wynnum Police Station answered attendees’ questions on local crime and police presence in the area.

“It’s good to get an idea of crime in our neighbourhood. Locals have been telling me about break-ins around this area, so I decided to hold this mobile office to give them the chance to air their concerns to local police and find out how they can protect themselves,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Minnikin said it was important everyone felt safe in their homes and knew what they could do to keep their property secure.

“Residents received valuable information on what they can do at home; meanwhile Mr Vasta, the police and I were also able to hear firsthand the biggest concerns of our community,” Mr Minnikin said.

“Having an open communication line between residents, local police, Mr Vasta and myself means we can all work together to keep our community safe.”

Wakerley resident Leanne Swadling said she moved into the area in 2016 and had already experienced three attempted break-ins.

“It’s terrifying. I’ve got three young kids at home. I’ve come today to find out what’s going on and hear from police what they have to say,” Ms Swadling said.

Manly resident Tracey da Costa shared similar concerns, saying there had been break-ins in every second house of her street.

“There’s a feeling of absolute vulnerability. We had the Wakerley shooting the other week, and my daughter’s school was locked down because of an intruder. I couldn’t get to her. 

“Sometimes when my husband’s away from home, I sleep with a nine iron. I just want to know what can we do to make things safer?”

Senior Sergeant Tony Brown, who is currently in charge of Wynnum Station, said generally speaking crime in the area is on the way down.

“In the case of clusters of break-ins, our detectives are doing a good job. Nine out of ten cases are solved,” Snr Sgt Brown said.

When asked if Wynnum Station was a 24 hour police station, Snr Sgt Brown said the station opened according to demand.

“There are rarely walk-ins between 10pm and 6am, so we didn’t see a need for the station to be open 24/7. We would rather have officers out on the road where they’re needed rather than sitting behind a desk. We still have police cars deployed all throughout the night,” he said.

Gumdale resident Jan Evans said she attended the crime mobile office to thank officers for their consistent patrols in the neighbourhood.

“I hear police cars regularly doing the rounds in the middle of the night. It gives me peace of mind,” Ms Evans said.

“One time I went out at 3am in my car. I came back to the house to check if the garage door was locked. An officer stopped me to see what I was up to—he thought I was breaking into my house! It really gives me a sense of security that police are out there on the job looking out for residents.”

Wakerley resident Michael Norris said it was good of Mr Vasta to be out in the community listening to people’s concerns.

“I’ve had no problems with crime so far, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I like to see how proactive police are being,” Mr Norris said.

Senior Sergeant Mark Norrish said people from outside the area were coming into the neighbourhood looking to commit break-ins.

“Wynnum Police is on them time and time again. We mobilise and do a good job, and that’s thanks to public input,” Snr Sgt Norrish said.

Mr Vasta said Wynnum police were doing an outstanding job and that they needed support from locals to keep crime down.

“I encourage you to connect with police and connect with us. Steve and I will be doing everything we can to help you,” Mr Vasta said.

Wynnum General Gordon Community Kindergarten today thanked Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, for helping them secure a $6,750 grant to upgrade their outdoor area through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

Mr Vasta visited the kindergarten to inspect the completed outdoor area.

“It’s great to see this amazing new play area for the kids. It’s so important for children to have outdoor spaces to play and learn in,” Mr Vasta said.

“Well done to Wynnum General Gordon for providing matching funding for this project and seeing it through.”

Wynnum General Gordon co-director and teacher Tracy Joyce said that with the additional Federal funding they were able to open up the tree canopy and put in new turf and a new automatic sprinkler system.

“Research shows how important outdoor learning and physical activity is for children. This project gives our children beautiful natural grass to run around on while fostering a love for our natural environment,” Mrs Joyce said.

“Thank you Mr Vasta for supporting our kindergarten. Lots of families have complimented us on the new space and said how beautiful it looks now.”

A much-needed upgrade of bathroom facilities at C&K Tingalpa & District Kindergarten has been completed thanks to a $6,348 grant provided through the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said he was proud to have helped the not-for-profit community kindergarten secure the grant for local families.

“I congratulate the staff and parents at Tingalpa C&K for fundraising the money needed to cover the remainder of the project costs. It goes to show the strong community support behind Tingalpa C&K,” Mr Vasta said.

The Stronger Communities grant went toward an upgrade of the only adult toilet at the kindergarten that staff and parents can access. This has saved the kindergarten in plumber call out fees.

The kindergarten has also installed a new hot water system using the grant, which has decreased their water costs.