Review starts on community concerns

Published 2:00pm 19 February 2024

Words by Nick Crockford

More than 800 submissions were made on the proposed route for stage four of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) through Elimbah.

The plans were released at the start of December showing two options through Elimbah to Moodlu and sparking a huge campaign by residents.

Many believed planners would take the BHWA round Elimbah through state forest or farmland – which remains their preferred route.

The campaign included petitions of more than 10,000 signatures, packed community meetings, engaging councillors and State members and lobbying ministers.

The northern section of the proposed route for Stage 4 of the BHWA

Transport and Main Roads’ (TMR) consultation period closed on February 9 and staff will now “spend several weeks reviewing all feedback”.

“Early feedback results indicate community interest in a corridor option further west of the Elimbah township minimising residential property impacts and reducing community severance,” TMR said.

“TMR will be investigating this further.

“Social and amenity impacts, environmental concerns, connecting communities and reducing traffic congestion remain key considerations for the project.”

Proposed route of the southern section of the BHWA

TMR says it will keep the community informed of early planning for stage four and provide “updated timelines once feedback is assessed”.

The BHWA will be a 50km dual motorway from Beerburrum to Bald Hills, going through Moodlu, Morina and down the western side of Morayfield and Narangba.

The route and land for stages one (Moodlu to Moorina) and two (Moorina to Narangba) have already been identified and gazetted.

Stage three from Narangba to Bald Hills is in the early planning stages. Feedback is already being taken.