A major flood resilience project to protect freight access to the Brisbane Markets will be the first delivered under a bolstered Queensland Betterment Fund, if the LNP is elected.
An LNP Government has committed $2.5 million towards raising the Curzon Street Bridge in Rocklea, to ensure fruit and vegetables can be distributed from the markets during heavy rain and flood events.
The upgrade, funded jointly with Brisbane City Council, will mean fresh produce can be moved more quickly during weather events, driving down costs at the checkout for Queenslanders.
The project will be funded under an overhauled Queensland Betterment Fund, which will receive a permanent boost to $80 million per year, with a $40 million contribution from an LNP Government – the largest investment in disaster resilience in a generation.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP would invest in local flood resilience to lower costs for local government and communities.
“We can’t stop natural disasters, but we can lessen their impacts by investing in smarter infrastructure to stop damage before it happens, which is what the LNP’s Betterment boost will do,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“This is about saving lives, protecting properties and reducing insurance premiums for Queensland families.
“The Curzon Street Bridge at Rocklea is a great example of how betterment projects can deliver dividends over the long term.
“The Brisbane Markets are the state’s most important centre for the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables, with annual trade exceeding 700 million kilograms of produce valued at more than $2 billion.
“By making the Curzon Street Bridge more resilient, we can ensure that supply chain stays open, delivering the economic dividends from our iconic Queensland produce regardless of the weather.
“We know betterment and resilience projects work. When the Roma flood levee was built after the 2012 floods, insurance premiums went down by 60%, saving families thousands.”
Queenslanders are paying more because of Labor’s mismanagement, with Labor allocating only $9.6 million in temporary uplift funding for the Queensland Betterment Fund over the next financial year.
The LNP’s funding overhaul would be jointly supported by the Federal and State Governments, with a $40 million annual contribution from each.
Shadow Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said that only the LNP will make infrastructure betterment a priority.
“With our plan, councils across Queensland will have access to betterment funding without financial barriers,” Ms Leahy said.
“We will help local governments build stronger, smarter infrastructure that drives down costs and keeps communities safe.
“Local communities and local government deserve a Fresh Start, and the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.
“Unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same.
“This election is an opportunity for a Fresh Start for Queensland, by voting 1 LNP.”
