Back to basics: RACQ members outline Games legacy vision

Exclusive RACQ research, commissioned by The Courier Mail as part of its Future Brisbane series, found the focus should be on improving existing transport infrastructure and fixing the State’s busiest highways.

Head of Public Policy Doctor Michael Kane said more than 2,200 RACQ members responded to the survey, and the vast majority want to see more effective, affordable and efficient infrastructure and public transport.

“We’re 10 years out from the Games and what our members have told us is they’re much more concerned about seeing solutions to existing transport and congestion issues rather than a focus on innovative and futuristic mobility, such as air taxis,” Dr Kane explained.

“Motorists want to see congestion on the Bruce Highway and M1 alleviated and there’s a strong desire for the expansion and completion of the existing rail network and fast rail options from the Sunshine Coast to Coolangatta and Brisbane to Ipswich and Toowoomba.

“With rapid population growth and the need to fix existing transport there should be some thinking about new, cost-effective public transport solutions to avoid future grid lock in Brisbane and south east Queensland,” he said.

RACQ’s Future Brisbane survey also found 70% of respondents wanted more affordable public transport for people living in the outer suburbs as well as free public transport for those in inner Brisbane.

While air taxis weren’t in favour, the research did indicate growing support for electric vehicles (EVs) at the Games, with 49.9% of respondents saying it was either important or very important to complete the rollout of EV charging infrastructure to support the transition to low-emission transport.

RACQ CEO David Carter said if the Federal Government is to lead the nation on a successful transition to EVs as we track towards the Games, they must let Queensland take the front seat with them.

“Listening to Queenslanders and getting the policies right must be front of mind for the Government,” Mr Carter said.

“We know there is an overwhelming hesitancy about EVs that persists throughout Queensland, with purchase cost at the top of the list when members tell us about the factors that discourage them from getting an EV.

“Next is distance anxiety. Queenslanders need the confidence to know that EVs will take them where they need to go.

“We need to see the Government get ahead of the Games and provide charging stations before they’re needed to ensure there’s not a lack of availability.

“The Queensland Government made a good first move this year with a $3,000 rebate and the new Federal Government has followed through with a Fringe Benefit Tax exemption.

“We need these incentives for things like car fleets, whether it’s government owned fleets, to encourage the take up of EVs and get more good quality EVs on second hand market.”