City of Moreton Bay has welcomed new Federal Budget commitments aimed at supporting housing growth and easing congestion across the rapidly expanding region.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget includes $812.5 million to upgrade the Bruce Highway between the Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road, alongside a new $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund designed to accelerate enabling infrastructure for housing delivery.
City of Moreton Bay Acting Mayor, Jodie Shipway, said the funding reflected years of advocacy from Council and would help support the region’s continued growth.
“I am pleased to see the allocation of $2 billion for local government and state utility providers to fund enabling infrastructure and unlock new housing,” Shipway said.
“Without essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and power, housing simply cannot be delivered.
“With more than 240 people moving to City of Moreton Bay every week, and 13 greenfield development sites currently underway, investment in enabling infrastructure is critical to accelerating housing supply.”
Shipway said Council hoped the region would be a key beneficiary of the Local Infrastructure Fund due to its rapid population growth and ongoing housing demand.
“We look forward to working with the Federal Government, State Development and Economic Development Queensland to unlock more housing and employment opportunities across the city,” she said.
“While further investment is still needed, this is a positive step forward.”
Council also welcomed the Bruce Highway funding commitment, describing it as an important milestone for South East Queensland’s transport network.
“This funding will help ease congestion and supports Council’s long-standing advocacy for upgrades along this critical section of the Bruce Highway,” Shipway said.
She said the investment also helped lay the groundwork for the proposed Bruce Highway Western Alternative, which remains Council’s top infrastructure priority.
The Bruce Highway Western Alternative is intended to improve regional connectivity and unlock additional land for housing development across South East Queensland.
“Although this project has not received funding in this year’s Budget, we will continue working closely with all levels of government to progress it in future budgets,” Shipway said.
“Beyond reducing congestion and freight delays, the Bruce Highway Western Alternative is critical to opening up new growth areas and supporting housing supply at the scale required.”
Shipway also highlighted ongoing concerns around housing affordability and homelessness, saying further investment was needed to support vulnerable members of the community.
“Council’s priority remains securing long-term partnerships and funding to deliver the infrastructure our growing community urgently needs,” she said.
“We will continue advocating to ensure infrastructure investment keeps pace with growth across City of Moreton Bay.”
