QLD govt invests $22.5M for Petrie roundabout upgrade

The Queensland Government has announced an additional $22.5 million for the Petrie roundabout upgrade.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the extra funding would support the $30 million project to improve traffic movements at the intersection of Anzac Avenue, Dayboro Road and Gympie Road in response to local population growth.

He said $22.5 million construction funding was in addition to $7.5 million already committed for a detailed design and property acquisitions, with early planning already underway.

“Design work will review and build on early planning to ensure the upgrade meets current engineering standards and community expectations,” Mr Bailey said.

“A preferred option was developed in 2016 which included replacing the roundabout with signals at a reconfigured T-intersection.”

Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said locals would be able to have their say on the project.

“The community will have an opportunity to provide input during the detailed design phase, which is expected to be completed in 2019,” Mr King said.

“Importantly, this project will improve safety and connectivity in Petrie and reduce delays during peak periods.

“It will also reduce traffic queues and crash risk,” he said.

Mr King said the upgrade would ultimately benefit thousands of students who would in time attend the new Petrie campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The former Petrie paper mill site and surrounding suburbs have been declared a priority development area and is expected to deliver up to 10,000 university student placements, 6000 ongoing jobs and $950 million in economic benefits through the creation of a new University of the Sunshine Coast campus.

“We know that knowledge-based projects like this can deliver huge economic benefits for local communities by driving jobs growth in higher education, research, science and commercial sectors,” Mr King said.

With the additional funding, works are expected to begin by 2020.