The Palaszczuk Government has marked the start of works for 340 new commuter parking spaces at Eight Mile Plains.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey joined Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni, Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan and local construction crews to turn the sod for the newest construction site in the Palaszczuk Government’s $114 million park ‘n’ ride upgrade program.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its election commitment to build more than 2,300 new commuter car parks across the south east,” Mr Bailey said.
“Under the Palaszczuk Government and initiatives like Fairer Fares, we’ve seen Queenslanders back public transport. In fact, we’ve already seen an additional 5.77 million trips on public transport for the financial year to-date, when compared to the same period last financial year.
Minister Bailey said once complete, the upgrade will bring the total number of commuter car parks at Eight Mile Plains to more than 1,200.
“The start of works on Eight Mile Plains is the latest milestone in the Palaszczuk Government’s $114 million park ‘n ‘ride program, and follows the announcement of a new site for the Darra station park ‘n ‘ride upgrade, concepts for a multi-storey upgrade at Springfield Central and works nearing completion on the second stage of the Murarrie commuter car park upgrade.
“These works add to the public transport infrastructure the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Queenslanders, including the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail.”
Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni welcomed the start of works, and said the parking would provide a huge relief for locals who accessed the Eight Mile Plains bus station every day and during special events.
“As a major hub for shuttle services to select events at the newly built Queensland State Netball Centre and other venues, the car park upgrade is also a win for sports and event lovers,” Mr de Brenni said.
“When an event is on and shuttle services are operating, all you have to simply do is park your car at Eight Mile Plains station and hop on the bus.”
Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said the works would be delivered by Queensland-based business Hazzel Bros and would ultimately help to alleviate overall demand for the bus hub’s free parking facility during peak periods.
“Through the Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland Strategy, not only are we delivering for local commuters, but we’re also supporting local business, with 15 jobs to be supported over the life of the project,” Ms McMillan said.
“The upgrade is a great result for locals and our growing community, with construction expected to be complete late 2019, weather permitting.”
