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CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR $27.8M GREEN CAMP ROAD UPGRADE

Construction has kicked off on the $27.8 million upgrade to the Green Camp Road corridor, reducing congestion and improving safety for motorists, cyclists and public transport users.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the critical upgrade would widen Green Camp Road to a minimum of four lanes to get residents home quicker and safer, with more travel options.

“Council’s upgrade to the Green Camp Road corridor is one of more than 1000 road projects in a $2 billion investment that is taking real action on traffic congestion,” Cr Quirk said.

“In addition to widening the corridor, the project will deliver major upgrades to intersections at Green Camp Road and Tilley Road, as well as at Green Camp Road and Rickertt Road.”

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the Turnbull Government is contributing $10 million to this important project, which forms part of a record $75 billion investment in key infrastructure, including more than $20 billion for Queensland.

“This upgrade will offer immediate benefits to all road users, as well as future-proofing the corridor by delivering the infrastructure needed for the growing Brisbane region,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to investing in vital infrastructure that tackles congestion – whether it’s a parent getting the kids to school on time or a tradie able to get to four jobs in a day instead of three.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Rickertt Road and Tilley Road intersections were currently operating well above capacity, leading to serious traffic incidents. 

“This upgrade will improve safety with signalisation at these traffic blackspots, reducing the risk of serious traffic incidents for daily road users,” Mr Vasta said.

“Motorists will also benefit from travel time savings in the mornings and afternoons.”

Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming said the upgrade would be a benefit to not only Brisbane residents, but also Redland City residents.

“This partnership between Canberra and Brisbane City Council is addressing a massive economic bottle neck and I’m delighted this high-quality project will expand the capacity of Green Camp Road, to benefit businesses and residents,” Mr Laming said.

Doboy Ward Councillor Ryan Murphy said in coming months, a number of traffic changes would be implemented to fast-track the upgrade.

“For several months later this year, a temporary full-time closure of Tilley Road, adjacent to Green Camp Road, will be in place, to facilitate structural intersection works,” Cr Murphy said.

“Residents will be notified well in advance of the closure, and the temporary measure will allow Council to deliver this upgrade more quickly, and reduce impacts to the local community.”

Construction is expected to be complete by mid-2019.

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POLLIES AND POLICE TALK CRIME WITH GUMDALE AND WAKERLEY RESIDENTS

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.

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ADJOURNMENT: GREEN CAMP RD-RICKERTT RD UPDATE

This month saw the release of plans for the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade at Wakerley. I’ve spoken many times here about this project. That’s because it’s such a huge win for my electorate.

Green Camp Road carries 30,000 vehicles every day: this part of the road network will no longer grind to a halt at peak times thanks to this vital project. The upcoming works to widen Green Camp Road to at least four lanes between Rickertt Road and Manly Road, as well as upgrade the Tilley Road and Rickertt Road intersections, will drastically improve peak hour commute times for thousands of my constituents.

Earlier this month I joined Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, and local councillors Adrian Schrinner and Ryan Murphy, to unveil details of the project. Brisbane City Council is investing $18 million to tackle traffic congestion along Green Camp Road.

Thanks to a further $10 million contribution from the Coalition Government, the scope of the project has been increased to also include capacity and safety upgrades at the Rickertt Road intersection.

Construction is expected to start in mid-2018 and be complete in late-2019. It will include:

• Two through-lanes in each direction on Green Camp Road from Manly Road to approximately 180 metres past the Rickertt Road intersection;

• Three through-lanes on the Green Camp Road northbound carriageway at the Tilley Road intersection;

• Signalisation at the Green Camp Road and Tilley Road intersection;

• Tilley Road intersection approach widened with one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane;

• Two through-lanes on Rickertt Road in each direction over a distance of 200 metres from the Green Camp Road intersection;

• Rickertt Road intersection approach widened with a separate left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes;

• New on-road cycling lanes and an off-road shared pathway; and

• Raising Green Camp Road and upgrading culverts to improve drainage and flood immunity.

The Green Camp Road corridor upgrade will reduce motorists’ commute times by up to 50 per cent in the mornings, and 35 per cent in the afternoons. It will cut down long peak hour queues on Rickertt Road and Tilley Road, and reduce congestion not only on Green Camp Road, but on arterial roads across the eastern road network.
More importantly, it will deliver safety improvements for thousands of commuters who travel through the area.

I applaud Brisbane City Council’s vision and commitment to deliver this infrastructure that will help meet the needs of future generations.

I also thank the Minister for Urban Infrastructure, the Hon Paul Fletcher, and Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming, for their work securing the Federal Government’s additional $10 million investment.

This upgrade wouldn’t have been possible without valuable feedback from the public. That’s why I’m encouraging my constituents to share their ideas for other vital upgrades in our area by filling out my online local infrastructure survey.

I appreciate their comments so far, which will help secure more important projects for Bonner.

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CONGESTION-BUSTING UPGRADE ANNOUNCED FOR GREEN CAMP RD

A major upgrade to tackle traffic congestion along Green Camp Road at Wakerley is one step closer, with Council today releasing designs for the $28 million project.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the project would see Green Camp Road widened to at least four lanes to take real action on traffic congestion, getting residents home quicker and safer.

“The capacity of Green Camp Road, between Rickertt Road and Manly Road, will be boosted with extra lanes, as well as major intersection upgrades for Tilley Road and Rickertt Road,” Cr Quirk said.

“This project is part of Council’s plan to keep Brisbane heading in the right direction, by delivering the infrastructure needed to meet the needs of future generations.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Rickertt Road and Tilley Road intersections were currently operating well above capacity and failing to meet current traffic demands.

“With Green Camp Road already carrying 30,000 vehicles each day, this part of the road network will grind to a halt without this vital project,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to the Federal Government’s investment, the scope of this project has been increased to also include capacity and safety upgrades at the Rickertt Road intersection.”

Deputy Mayor and Chandler Ward Councillor Adrian Schrinner said the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade would deliver valuable travel time savings and safety improvements.

“The upgrade will reduce motorists’ commute by up to 50 per cent in the mornings, and 35 per cent in the afternoons, by widening Green Camp Road to four lanes with an additional northbound lane at the Tilley Road intersection,” Cr Schrinner said.

Councillor for Doboy Ward Ryan Murphy said the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade would reduce traffic congestion not only on Green Camp Road, but on arterial roads across the eastern road network.

“Traffic modelling has shown that upgrades of these intersections will reduce long queues on both Rickertt Road and Tilley Road, particularly during the busy morning peak,” Cr Murphy said.

Construction on the Green Camp Road Corridor upgrade is expected to commence in mid-2018 and be complete in late-2019.

The Green Camp Road corridor upgrade is jointly funded by Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government. The Australian Government is contributing $10 million through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

For more information on the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Green Camp Road Project Details:

• Two through-lanes in each direction on Green Camp Road from Manly Road to approximately 180 metres past the Rickertt Road intersection.

• Three through-lanes on the Green Camp Road northbound carriageway at the Tilley Road intersection.

• Signalisation at the Green Camp Road and Tilley Road intersection.

• Tilley Road intersection approach widened with one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane.

• Two through-lanes on Rickertt Road in each direction over a distance of 200 metres from the Green Camp Road intersection.

• Rickertt Road intersection approach widened with a separate left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes.

• New on-road cycling lanes and off-road shared pathway.

• Raising Green Camp Road and upgrading culverts to improve drainage and flood immunity.

 

I would love your help to deliver more vital upgrades for our area and would appreciate if you could fill out my local infrastructure survey 

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90 SECOND STATEMENT: GREEN CAMP ROAD-RICKERTT ROAD FUNDING

It’s with great pleasure I announce today that the Federal Government has committed $10 million to go toward Brisbane City Council’s upgrade of Green Camp Road. This adds to Brisbane City Council’s $18 million investment to improve the Green Camp Road corridor.

Construction works are due to start next year. This will include widening of Green Camp Road between Manly Road and Rickertt Road. It will also include much-needed fixes to the notorious Green Camp Road and Rickertt Road intersection.

I’ve spoken before about the issues commuters between Brisbane and Redland City face every day on these roads. Around 1,000 vehicles pass through the Green Camp Road-Rickertt Road intersection during peak times. This can bring traffic to a standstill for up to two kilometres. Countless people have come to me over the years asking for a fix.

Thanks to combined Federal and council efforts, commuters will receive an upgrade for the Green Camp Road corridor much sooner. As well as reducing congestion, the project will improve safety for drivers due to improved signalling.

I thank Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and local Councillors Adrian Schrinner and Ryan Murphy for funding this vital upgrade. I also thank my colleague, Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming, for his advocacy on behalf of Redland residents, which together has allowed us to secure the Federal Government’s contribution to this project.

I look forward to seeing work completed on this vital upgrade for Bonner commuters.

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COFFEE WITH A COP TALKS BAYSIDE CRIME AND SAFETY

Local residents from the bayside and Gumdale-Wakerley areas joined officers from Wynnum Police, as well as volunteers from Crime Stoppers and Volunteers in Policing, at Coffee with a Cop hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, in Manly West last Saturday.

Coffee with a Cop gave members of the community an opportunity to get to know their local police officers, discuss with them their experiences with crime, and seek advice on protecting their homes and properties from lawbreakers.

“I have received a fair amount of feedback from my constituents on local crime and safety. It’s a particularly vital issue for residents in the Gumdale-Wakerley area,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.

“This Coffee with a Cop was designed to start a conversation on crime in the area, and allow residents and local law enforcement to share their ideas on how to reduce and deter crime in the neighbourhood.”

Mr Vasta said the main issues of concern in the area were break-and-enters and hooning.

“It was great to see so many people taking the time to discuss local crime and help make our community safer,” Mr Vasta said.

“I will be using feedback from this Coffee with a Cop to develop a community-based program aimed at reducing crime and making the bayside and Gumdale-Wakerley neighbourhoods safer for everyone.”

“I will also be hosting more Coffee with a Cop sessions elsewhere in Bonner later this year, so stay tuned.”

Mr Vasta encouraged members of the public to complete his online Community Safety Survey at https://rossvasta.com.au/Surveys/CommunitySafetySurvey.aspx.

He also thanked members of Volunteers in Policing for offering free security assessments for homes and businesses in the area, and encouraged locals to contact Wynnum Police Station for more information.

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ADJOURNMENT: CRIME AND SAFETY – GUMDALE/WAKERLEY

Today I would like to speak on crime, an issue of growing concern in my electorate of Bonner. I have been receiving a fair amount of feedback from my constituents on local crime and safety. It is a particularly vital issue for residents in the Gumdale-Wakerley area. I would like to update the House on what I have been doing to address reports of crime in and around the suburbs and how locals can get involved to help tackle this problem.

Crime in the community can have a devastating impact, and I am not just talking about financial losses. Crime can also take a significant mental toll on its victims. Recently I heard from a constituent who lived in Wakerley for over 35 years. She told me that she used to be able to walk about in the neighbourhood without fear; but now, she says, most nights she is too afraid to go out alone. Her story and others like it have really touched me. It is important to feel safe and secure in our own homes and our own neighbourhoods. That is why this month I am launching a new campaign to identify crime and safety hotspots in the Gumdale-Wakerley area. This campaign will also give residents an opportunity to discuss crime with local law enforcement.

Earlier this month, I sent out a community safety survey to residents in the Gumdale-Wakerley area. This survey is helping me gauge how people feel about local crime levels, and how safe they feel in their community. It is also letting me know people's personal experiences with crime and their thoughts on the level of police protection in the area. I thank my constituents who have taken the time to complete and return my community safety survey. I have already had lots of great feedback and suggestions on what actions would be most helpful in alleviating crime in and around the Gumdale-Wakerley area.

Recently, I met with officers from the Wynnum Manly police station to discuss residents' concerns and a range of possible measures to reduce and deter crime in the Gumdale-Wakerley area. Since that meeting, Acting Senior Sergeant Carolyn Cox has graciously agreed to join me for a Coffee With a Cop event at Gloria Jeans Mayfair Village in Manly West next month. On Saturday 3 June from 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock, locals will be able to sit down with Sergeant Cox and Senior Constable Sharon Collins to share their thoughts on crime in the area, and they can ask any questions they may have on this important issue.

I am proud to be the sponsor of this neighbourhood safety initiative, and I thank local police and residents for their help in getting this crime campaign off the ground. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone in our community is kept safe from crime.

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UPGRADE OF INTERSECTION AT RICKERTT ROAD AND GREENCAMP ROAD

A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide funding for the upgrade of the intersection of Rickertt Road and Green Camp Road, relieving congestion for motorists in the electorate of Bonner and Bowman.

The intersection, which is a key route for commuters between Redland City and Brisbane, is currently plagued by congestion during peak times. Around 1,000 vehicles per hour pass through the intersection during peak times, resulting in traffic queues of up to two kilometres.  

The Turnbull Government will provide $5 million for the upgrade which will be matched by the Brisbane City Council.  

The funding will enable the re-phasing of traffic signals as well as the upgrade and extension of the dual carriageway.

The announcement was made today by Minister for Major Projects, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, and Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming MP. 

Mr Vasta said, “I’ve heard from countless residents and commuters in Bonner who’ve had issues with this particular intersection. After fighting for years on their behalf for this much-needed upgrade I’m pleased the Government is now able to commit this funding.”

Mr Laming said, “This upgrade transforms the commute between Redland City and Brisbane. The morning congestion in particular has caused frustration for around 15,000 Redland city families.”

The Turnbull Government is investing $13.7 billion in Queensland infrastructure and is spending a record $50 billion on land transport infrastructure nationally as part of our carefully structured economic plan to provide jobs and growth and a secure future for Australian families.

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Gumdale / Wakerley Telstra Tower – 90 Second Statement

I would like to commend a grassroots action group in Bonner for their dedication to protecting residents and wildlife in Gumdale and Wakerley. The No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group was formed out of a concern over a proposed mobile phone tower site.

I have spoken previously in this chamber about the great work that the No Towers Near Guardian Angels group had made, and now the No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group has also done an excellent job in raising awareness of this issue. They have encouraged more accountability from Telstra. Just recently they held a community meeting that was well attended despite short notice. This goes to show just how passionate people are in our electorate.

I share the group's uncertainty on the proposed tower's location. It is close to Gumdale State School, C&K Gumdale Community Kindergarten, Kindy Kapers Early Learning Centres at Wakerley and several private residences, as well as a protected koala habitat. I note that Telstra has shown it is willing to hear out concerns over its proposal. Telstra representatives have met with me recently to discuss the proposal at length. Tonight Telstra will also be holding a community information session for residents.

I recognise that measures to satisfy the concerns of a section of the community must be balanced with the wider community's need for improved mobile services. I am pleased that the actions of the No Telstra Tower near Gumdale School group have ensured a more balanced result for all involved. I applaud them for their commitment and hard work. I will continue to work with the group and with Telstra to achieve a desirable and practical outcome.

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Wakerley Rotary Christmas Carols

When: Saturday, 6th December – from 3.30pm.
Where: Wakerley Park – 74 Dianthus St, Wakerley 4154.

You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Wakerley Rotary Christmas Carols! Come along for live music, carols, arts and crafts, rides, a jumping castle and animal farm, Santa Claus, local food and drinks, and fireworks. More information at www.facebook.com/wakerleyrotarychristmascarols.

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