Residents in Brisbane’s western suburbs and the eastern corridors of Ipswich are raising concerns about the Centenary Motorway, pointing to maintenance failures and an alleged lack of long-term planning.
Read: RACQ Flags Centenary Motorway as Brisbane’s Worst for Morning Traffic
At the centre of local concern is around five kilometres of non-operational street lighting along the motorway, a situation that has prompted State Member for Inala, Margie Nightingale, to write directly to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and raise the matter in Parliament.
“That’s simply not good enough,” Ms Nightingale said in a recent social media post. “We need clarity on both the future plan and the current maintenance.”
Ms Nightingale added that lighting is the responsibility of Roadtek, Queensland’s state-owned road construction and maintenance authority. No timeline for repair has been announced at the time of writing.
Rail cuts push more drivers onto already stretched roads
Darkness on the motorway is far from the only issue troubling commuters. Reduced Queensland Rail services have pushed more drivers onto already congested roads, with residents in outer metro areas saying they are being left with few viable alternatives to the car.
“For many, catching the train is no longer a reliable option,” State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said. “In outer metro areas like ours, the only remaining option is to drive.”
The ripple effect is being felt across the Centenary and Ipswich Motorways, adding to what Ms Mullen described as “additional time and financial strain for individuals and local families.” She has also written to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads urging leadership in working with Queensland Rail and transport unions to restore reliable services.
Community pushes for a long-term masterplan
The petition calls for a masterplan with identified priority projects and dedicated funding to keep pace with population growth in the corridor. It notes that planning work was previously funded to progress future upgrades between Darra and Toowong, and between Darra and Yamanto, but that this work has since stalled.
“Our eastern suburbs in Ipswich and western suburbs of Brisbane are continuing to grow and the Centenary Highway is simply not keeping up with the increasing demand,” the petition states. “We need to future-proof the Centenary Highway through the development of a masterplan with identified priority projects and funding.”
Read: New Mobile Cameras Target Heavy Vehicles on Centenary Motorway
The petition is open to residents across electorates including Bundamba, Inala, Ipswich, Ipswich West, Jordan and Mount Ommaney, and is calling on the community to add their voice.
Ms Mullen said she will continue pushing for answers, and is encouraging residents across the affected electorates to sign the petition and make their voices heard.
Residents can sign the petition at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CentenaryHighwayPlan.
Published 16-June-2026
