Transport must be our legacy
These mega-cities, each with populations over 10 million, are a stark contrast to Brisbane and South East Queensland. London, Tokyo, and Paris have world-class public transport, whereas Rio and LA are known more for snarling traffic congestion.
It begs the question, what do we want to be known for?
RACQ asked our members and Queenslanders, and the overwhelming majority voted for public transport improvements and fixing the Bruce Highway as our key Games legacy outcomes.
We’re a practical bunch. Rather than flying taxis, we want transport basics done well.
Over 76% listed frequent, fast, and expanded public transport as the most important benefit they’d like to see from the Games; 67% voted for safe and connected neighbourhoods with good active transport infrastructure; and a resounding 85% want the Bruce Highway fixed.
Past Games that resonated most with Queenslanders were hosted by cities delivering great transport legacies, like Seoul and London. The sustainability legacy of Paris and city revitalisation of Barcelona were deemed less valuable.
The popular focus on transport is not surprising given SEQ’s rapid population and economic growth. In 2023, Queensland’s economy was worth $464 billion, 19.3% of Australia’s GDP – up from 16.3% in 1990. Our population share also increased from 17% to 20.5% over that same period.
The numbers paint a clear picture and underpin the urgency - if you want to invest in Australia’s growth, you must invest in Queensland now.
Without proactive planning, this predicted growth will overwhelm the region and threaten its liveability. Population spillover into regional centres will intensify demand for agriculture and tourism, and strain already-struggling roads.
A historic lack of strategic planning has left current governments playing catch-up, with short-term projects failing to meet long-term network demands. Queenslanders are calling for integrated planning to ensure public transport is frequent, reliable, and connected.
The Bruce Highway is also failing us. Some sections are substandard, dangerous and not built to withstand increasing climate risk.
The Pacific and Hume highways in NSW and Victoria benefited from 80% Federal funding, making them safer and more resilient. Yet, when it’s Queensland’s turn for our national highway to be made safer and fit for purpose, Canberra is only committing to 50% beyond the current pipeline. It’s simply not fair.
The 2032 Olympics and Paralympics will put Brisbane and the greater South East on the world stage. Our name will be up there with the most famous global destinations. The choice is ours: suffer imposter syndrome or rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and earn our place among the world’s great cities.
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