Upgrades to the intersection of Priestdale and Rochedale roads have gone neglected, despite pre-election promises to include the spot as “congestion-busting” plan, Rankin MP Jim Chalmers says.
Dr Chalmers lashed out in parliament last week, saying the 2019 promise had dropped from the government’s radar.
“Almost 20,000 vehicles use the intersection each day and, given its proximity to five local schools, there is often a lot of congestion during peak hours and around school drop-off and pick-up times,” he said.
“There is also a lack of safe crossing points, which makes it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians and schoolkids to cross at the roundabout. Everyone in my community remembers the heartbreaking accident in 2018 when a young boy was hit by a car at that very intersection.”
He said $14 million had been committed to fast-track work. But now it would have to wait until after the next election.
“It’s been three years already, and now they say our community has to wait even longer,” he told parliament.
“… there was a big announcement, there was media, there were cameras, there were government ministers and members patting themselves on the back, congratulating themselves on a job well done.
“But, as I said, three years later nothing has changed at the Priestdale Road and Rochedale Road intersection.
“Of the 13 projects announced by the government, only one has been finished and only one is under construction.”
