June2012_LOCAL MPs FIGHTING FOR YOUNGS CROSSING SOLUTION
Following on from Premier Campbell Newman’s recent visit to Youngs Crossing, local State MP’s Mr Seath Holswich and Mr Trevor Ruthenberg have reaffirmed their commitment to fight for a bridge to be built over Youngs Crossing.
Since the State Election in March, Mr Holswich and Mr Ruthenberg have been working closely with representatives from all levels of government in the region in a concerted effort to put in place a detailed plan for Youngs Crossing.
“There is no adequate short term solution to Youngs Crossing,” Mr Holswich said.
“No level of government currently has enough money to commit $80 million towards a bridge over Youngs Crossing.
But we are putting a detailed plan together, in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council and Peter Dutton MP, Federal Member for Dickson, so that we can put a strong case forward for this important infrastructure project when money is available in government budgets.”
Mr Ruthenberg stressed the importance of the bridge for our growing region. “The former Labor State Government neglected road infrastructure in our region for years. Even once the AJ Wyllie Bridge is operating at full capacity again, there are still inadequate river crossings for a region that has one of the highest growth rates in Queensland.”
“We understand that an upgrade to Youngs Crossing is an important part of the solution and we will continue to work hard in putting a plan in place to see the bridge realized.”
The MP’s are also investigating short term mitigation strategies that they hope will ease the inconvenience caused during heavy rain and dam releases.
“We are in discussions with the relevant Ministers about the water levels of North Pine Dam and whether dredging around Youngs Crossing is a viable and ecologically sound option in order to increase the capacity of the river during dam releases,” Mr Holswich said.
“The Premier is aware of the issue. Treasurer Tim Nichols MP has also visited the site and viewed preliminary plans. We will continue to work hard to see this project realized,” Mr Ruthenberg added.
“There is no adequate short term solution to Youngs Crossing,” Mr Holswich said.
“No level of government currently has enough money to commit $80 million towards a bridge over Youngs Crossing.
But we are putting a detailed plan together, in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council and Peter Dutton MP, Federal Member for Dickson, so that we can put a strong case forward for this important infrastructure project when money is available in government budgets.”
Mr Ruthenberg stressed the importance of the bridge for our growing region. “The former Labor State Government neglected road infrastructure in our region for years. Even once the AJ Wyllie Bridge is operating at full capacity again, there are still inadequate river crossings for a region that has one of the highest growth rates in Queensland.”
“We understand that an upgrade to Youngs Crossing is an important part of the solution and we will continue to work hard in putting a plan in place to see the bridge realized.”
The MP’s are also investigating short term mitigation strategies that they hope will ease the inconvenience caused during heavy rain and dam releases.
“We are in discussions with the relevant Ministers about the water levels of North Pine Dam and whether dredging around Youngs Crossing is a viable and ecologically sound option in order to increase the capacity of the river during dam releases,” Mr Holswich said.
“The Premier is aware of the issue. Treasurer Tim Nichols MP has also visited the site and viewed preliminary plans. We will continue to work hard to see this project realized,” Mr Ruthenberg added.
