Mount Lindesay Highway needs strategic thinking

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the future of Mount Lindesay Highway needs strategic thinking to give businesses more confidence in the region.

The statement follows a recent announcement by the LNP, who have pledged to commit $40 million to upgrade the Mount Lindesay Highway if they win the State election in October.

"The LNP announcement recognises the need for improving the capacity of the Mount Lindesay Highway so it can play a proper role in the important and growing freight task," Cr Christensen said.

"While I appreciate the symbolism of the $40 million duplication extension, what our communities need from both parties is the clarity of both commitment to the timing of the funding, and commitment to fully funding the Mount Lindesay Highway to a proper high performing transport corridor.

"It's good to now have both major parties recognising the highway in its current form is totally inadequate and unsatisfactory.

"However while we are seeing adhoc announcements and solutions, we're not seeing any evidence of strategy, which is critical to boosting businesses confidence and investment in the region and would support economic growth."

Infrastructure Australia recently added the Mount Lindesay Highway to the National Infrastructure Priority List reinforcing the major arterial's contribution to national economic performance.

"I've been open in my criticism that the recent upgrades solving safety concerns for local traffic integration by imposing signalised intersections and further speed reductions on our key logistics corridor is delusional," Cr Christensen said.

"No other highway in the South East Queensland network has been subjected to such indignity in modern times.

"At a time where all sides of politics seem happy to pour billions into further lane duplications of already well serviced corridors, the poor strategic foresight in planning for the Mount Lindesay Highway shows both the highway and the communities of Scenic Rim have been treated as second class citizens compared to other parts of South East Queensland.

"I look forward to hearing from all sides in this state election.

"We need to see genuine commitment to proper strategic funding and timing for the vital modern treatment of the Mount Lindesay Highway and connection to the Bromelton State Development Area so it can play its full part for economic vitality and job creation in South East Queensland."