Alternative Bruce Highway a step closer

The preferred corridor for Stage 1 of a western alternative to the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast has been identified as part of a phased consultation process.

The likely corridor for Stage 1 will run from Moodlu to Moorina within the future Caboolture West development area, allowing for future interchanges and local roads to pass over or under the new road.

Federal Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher says the Government is committed to easing congestion with critical road projects.

“The Bruce Highway is Queensland's major freight routes, connecting Brisbane to central and northern Queensland, including 11 coastal ports, major regional cities and key tourist destinations,” Mr Fletcher says.

“With growing population pressures across the Moreton Bay region, a new, alternative road connection to the west of the Bruce Highway will help boost the capacity of the local road network and reduce congestion.”

Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles says the first phase of consultation for Stage 1 recently wrapped up.

"Community consultation is an important part of major projects like this, to make sure we are delivering the best outcome for the community,” Mr Miles says.

Community feedback

“Through technical investigations and community feedback, the preferred corridor for Stage 1 has been identified from Moodlu to Moorina within the future Caboolture West development area.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says three options were presented to the community, with the central option listed as the preferred option.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young MP says the central alignment starts at the D’Aguilar Highway and travels south towards Caboolture River Rd, staying close to the existing power easement.

“The corridor will provide for future interchanges and allow local roads to pass over or under the new road,” Mr Young said.

“This will be at locations which support public and active transport and access to the future town centre, key employment areas and health and education facilities.”

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the significant step towards building a Bruce Highway alternative and said with a city the size of Mackay expected to call Caboolture West home in coming years, the demand for roads in the region would only grow exponentially.

“We might’ve won the bid to host the Olympic Games in 10 years’ time, but the demand for infrastructure is happening now,” Mayor Flannery says.

“This is our second M1, our Coomera Connector - and to check off this milestone, means we can hopefully have shovels in the ground sooner.

“The Bruce Highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network and Moreton Bay is positioned at its most critical point, which is why it’s vital we build a road that takes local traffic off this major freight route.”

Diverting traffic

Mayor Flannery says an alternative road will divert local traffic from the state’s biggest highway and accommodate 70,000 new residents who will call Caboolture West home.

“We’ve gotten the funding for major Bruce upgrades from both levels of government and it’s great to see work happening there, but now is the time to start properly planning for a Bruce Highway alternative.”

State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King says the Palaszczuk Government will plan for the future of the corridor in stages.

"We are working closely with the Moreton Bay Regional Council to consider development pressure and understand future needs of the region as we prioritise future stages of the route,” Mr King says.

"The next priority stage (Stage 2) is south of Caboolture West from Moorina to Narangba and is around 13km long.

"Consultation is expected to start for Stage 2 early next year, however in the meantime the community can provide early feedback on future stages through the project webpage.”

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