The Pine Rivers Electorate is a unique community comprising both urban and semi-rural localities. This diversity necessitates funding across a broad spectrum of areas, to provide for our immediate short term needs as well as the needs of the future as our community is rapidly growing.
Since the last budget, my team and I have had thousands of conversations with the residents both over the phone, at the doors and in our community in order get a deeper understanding of the major priorities for our community.
Increases in rents, interest rates, groceries, utilities and insurances all mean increased pressure on the household budget, small businesses and vulnerable people in my community. The recent axing of universal cost of living relief in Queensland’s budget exacerbates that pain.
Housing affordability pain has deepened in the Pine Rivers electorate, with all localities in Pine Rivers experiencing 100% rental stress. Housing prices have seen a recent considerable increase and the prevalence of people sleeping rough or homelessness has been reported by first responders to have significantly and concerningly grown.
Quality, affordable and accessible health care is critical to my community. We need to see promised hospital beds delivered, and increases to our front line, like ambulance.
Busting congestion remains a key priority, with calls for local road upgrades, big infrastructure projects needed urgently and more public transport routes to help alleviate pressure.
Parts of the Pine Rivers electorate are low lying or are in close proximity to waterways as such a lot of my community is concerned about the impacts of climate change and the increasing instances of natural disasters impacting their neighbourhoods. They need to see government investment in projects to improve disaster resilience and preparedness.
Through the consultation process I and my team have been able to identify priority areas for my community. Areas which if funding is allocated will improve accessibility, education, community safety, health, and productivity outcomes.
This is a budget submission informed by the Pine Rivers community for the Pine Rivers community. Delivery in these key areas will provide for the needs of the community now and into the future.
Bray Park Train Station Upgrade
An upgrade to Bray Park Train Station is essential to the community and the wider Moreton Bay area as a critical investment in public transport infrastructure. Improved accessibility, modernised facilities, and enhanced safety will encourage more commuters to choose rail over cars, reducing congestion and supporting local workers and families.
An accessible station opens this asset up to people with all needs, from parents with prams, people with wheelchairs and mobility devices, the elderly. Current infrastructure is inaccessible and not fit for purpose.
I am committed to delivering practical, and community-focused transport solutions like the Bray Park station upgrade, upgrades like this provide a long-term value for taxpayers while also ensuring Bray Park station meets the growing needs of a growing, diverse population.
Strathpine Open Level Crossing Removal
Removing the Strathpine open level crossing has been a key priority for my community for many years, especially in preparation for Cross-River Rail’s completion.
In delivering this project, it would improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable travel for workers and industry going into Brendale.
I am seeking a budget commitment to ensure the crossing is removed efficiently, with a business case study and community consultation, so residents and industry can have tangible benefits demonstrated, and the best treatment can be determined.
Ferny Grove to Samford Rail Trail Bike Track
As part of my engagement in seeing more active transport and community connectivity. The Pine Rivers community would like to see funding for the Ferny Grove - Samford Rail Trail Bike Track.
This project has strong local support with the land already purchased by Moreton Bay Council, as well as support from the active transport community. It would provide safe, accessible, active transport for residents and cycling enthusiasts.
This investment would promote healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and support local economic activity through increased tourism in Samford and the surrounding areas.
By committing to delivering this extension of this infrastructure, through an asset purchased by council, to facilitate it- the government would ensure environmental protection, community engagement, and guarantee of strong value for public investments.
Linkfield Road Gympie Arterial Road Overpass Duplication funding
The funding of the Linkfield Road duplication over Gympie Arterial Road is essential to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support local economic growth in Pine Rivers and beyond.
All levels of government and the community have agreed that this upgrade will benefit commuters, freight operators, and local businesses by creating a more reliable transport corridor while enhancing road safety for all users.
This project has received state and federal funding. It was deeply disappointing for my community to see this project delayed in the state government’s last budget. State funding needs to be reinstated as a priority so work can recommence to deliver this solution.
High Risk Team Funding Increase
Victim survivors and the Domestic and Family Violence prevention sector are calling for High Risk Team funding for Moreton Bay.
It is essential to ensure the safety of our communities and frontline responders. Adequate resourcing allows these teams to respond quickly and effectively to complex emergencies, reducing harm and protecting lives.
In commitment to the increase of funding, it would strengthen emergency services, provide the necessary equipment and staffing, and ensure that these highly skilled teams can operate at peak capacity when and where our communities need them the most.
Funding early domestic violence intervention services saves lives.
Strathpine State School Drop and Go Zone
A drop-and-go zone at Strathpine State School is a priority to improve safety for students, parents, and staff while easing neighbourhood congestion during school drop off and pick up times.
Investment in a modern, well-designed pick-up and drop-off area will reduce traffic risks, reduce congestion, and give families a smoother daily routine.
I have worked with multiple agencies, the school community and residents to develop a plan for an effective zone.
By committing funding to the next stage of this project, infrastructure can be delivered and the community made safer.
Dayboro Public Transport Solutions
Investing in improved public transport for Dayboro is about connecting regional suburbs to jobs, essential services, transport hubs and shops, particularly for those without a means to drive.
My community is calling for funding to find a practical solution whether that is providing a bus service, demand responsive transport, park and ride facilities, or an alternative affordable transport option.
Quicker Delivery of Hospital Beds for Prince Charles Hospital
It is crucial that Prince Charles Hospital has the beds the Northern Brisbane communities need.
Delivering in the promised hospital beds will reduce wait times, improve patient care, and ease pressure on emergency departments and ambulance services.
My community is calling out for the committed funding, which was delayed last budget.
Bray Park State High School Sports Hall & Designated Performing Arts
Bray Park State High School urgently needs a new sports hall to support the health, wellbeing, and the development of its students. The school community is also seeking funding to repurpose the current muti-purposed centre into a designated performing arts space.
Fit for purpose facilities would provide a safe, all-weather space for physical education, school sports, extensions to performing arts capacity and community programs, in the suburbs of Bray Park and around.
Significant growth in the school community has put pressure on the current facilities, capacity restrains and aging assets necessitate investment to meet the needs of a growing community, and to create opportunities for young people.
Homeless Outreach Team for Homeless
Our community is in desperate need of investment in Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to expand outreach and support services for people experiencing homelessness across Pine Rivers and Moreton Bay.
Investing in HOT ensures timely intervention, connects vulnerable residents with housing, health, and mental health services, and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
This aligns with my commitment of evidence-based solutions that address both the immediate needs and long-term stability, ensuring no one in our community is left without support.
Waterway Funding Programs for 4 Mile Creek
A commitment to investing in the waterway funding programs for Four Mile Creek, is to protect this vital waterway and to ensure long-term benefits for the community.
Ongoing investment is needed to improve water quality, reduce erosion, safeguard wildlife habitats, and to enhance flood resilience for local homes vulnerable to inundation.
Programs like these also support local jobs and provide opportunities for community engagement.
Partnership with Council to protect this essential asset and is being highlighted in my community through flood action groups and activists.
Voluntary Home Buy Backs for Disaster Prone Areas
Targeted voluntary home buy-back program is a necessary and cost-effective response to increasing climate and flood risk, particularly in repeatedly affected communities across Queensland. Here in Pine Rivers, there is many homes in Bray Park which are frequently and seriously inundated due to their proximity to the Four Mile Creek and their placement in a low-lying area.
Investing in voluntary buybacks reduces long-term disaster recovery costs, improves community safety, and allows land to be returned to flood-mitigation or environmental use.
I and my community support additional funding to expand buy-back programs, delivered in partnership with local government and prioritised on risk, equity, and clear community consultation, ensuring affected residents are supported with dignity and certainty.
Increased Disaster Resilience Funding
Pine Rivers and Queensland faces growing risks from floods, storms, and other extreme weather events, which threatens homes, business, and essential infrastructure.
Increased funding for disaster resilience programs would:
- Enhance flood mitigation infrastructure and waterway management to reduce the impact of future events.
- Strengthen early warning systems and emergency response capabilities for local communities.
- Support community-led resilience initiatives, including education, preparedness programs, and local volunteer groups.
- Protect critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and transport links, ensuring continuity of essential services during disasters.
By prioritising disaster resilience now, we can reduce long-term costs, safeguard families, and ensure Pine Rivers and Queensland is prepared for the challenges posed by a more chaotic climate into the future.
Airconditioning for Dayboro Showgrounds Hall
The Provision of air conditioning for the Dayboro Showgrounds Hall is a modest but highly impactful infrastructure investment that would significantly improve community meetings, senior activities, emergency coordination, cultural events, and local organisations. Without this investment the hall’s usability is increasingly constrained, especially in the Queensland heat.
Installing energy-efficient air conditioning would ensure the facility remains safe and inclusive for older residents, children, and other vulnerable at-risk individuals, while supporting stronger community participation and resilience.
This project that I and the community want to see committed to, is about investing in the Dayboro community, and having access to a safe, functional, and equitable show hall facility.
Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel
The delivery of the Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel is a critical infrastructure investment for North Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. This project is essential to improve out freight and commuter network. This project is proposed to eliminate sets of 19 lights and 32 minutes off a city commute for my community and those northbound.
There is widespread appreciation this would remove a major congestion and safety bottleneck on the Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road, improving travel times, road safety outcomes, and freight efficiency while supporting the continued population and economic growth of north Brisbane.
Construction of the tunnel would create significant local jobs, provide long-term productivity and efficiency improvements, and reduce vehicle emissions by smoothing traffic flows and eliminating stop-start conditions through Gympie Road.
Universal Cost-of-Living Relief
Universal Cost of Living Relief should be a central priority of the upcoming budget, as broad-based measures are the most effective way to provide immediate and equitable support to households facing sustained inflationary pressures.
Universal relief such as energy bill relief, 20 per cent off car rego, and free school lunches that benefits low and middle-income earners. These measures would increase economic participation, while also delivering on macroeconomic stability by sustaining consumer demand without exacerbating inequality.
Hooning
Hooning remains a serious community safety issue, particularly in suburban and outer-urban areas like Pine Rivers, where dangerous driving places families at risks and undermines neighbourhood amenity.
Targeted funding for monitoring, enforcement, road safety infrastructure, and diversion programs will allow police and local services to respond effectively while addressing the underlying causes of repeat offending.
I support a balanced and evidence-based approach that priorities public safety, which backs frontline workers, and invests in prevention to reduce hooning-related harm and risks over the long term.
Local projects that deliver more Social and Affordable Housing
A Queensland budget that meaningfully addresses the Housing Crisis must expand investment in social and affordable housing as essential economic and social infrastructure.
Sustained, large scale funding for new social housing supply-delivered in partnership with the federal government and local housing providers will reduce homelessness, ease rental pressure, and improve housing affordability for low-moderate income households.
Many women, older Australians, single income families, people with disability, and critical workers are locked out of our housing market, sleeping rough or currently homeless.
I would welcome an investment by the Queensland government to deliver social and affordable housing in my neighbourhood.