Homes hit by massive highway plans

Published 6:00am 24 January 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

More than 190 properties will be impacted by two of the biggest road projects the Moreton Bay Region has ever seen.

The $2.1 billion Gateway Motorway Bruce Highway Upgrade (GMBHU) from Bracken Ridge to Dohles Rocks Rd will affect 40 homes.

Eighty properties will be hit by the same huge upgrades between Dohles Rocks Rd to Anzac Ave.

Future-proof

For the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) from Moorina to Narangba, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is speaking to more than 70 home owners.

Both projects will “help future-proof the growing Moreton Bay region”, a TMR spokesperson said.

“We understand the sensitive nature of planning a new transport corridor and will continue to meet with and support all affected property owners with compassion.

“We will continue to update and engage with the community as these projects progress."

Jeremy Streten, from NPR (Northern Property Resumption) Law in Caboolture, is among those helping residents impacted by the giant highway projects.

Mr Streten has held ‘town hall’ meetings for homeowners and is planning another next month. Email [email protected] for details.

Emotional time

“There’s been a range of emotions,” he said, “some were angry and upset, others have accepted it and know what is going to happen.

“Our job is to help get them in the right conversations. We talk about the value of their property, stamp duty ... and negotiating.”

Community consultation for the GMBHU is over. Key issues, from more than 400 responses, were road design, property acquisition, noise and mitigation measures.

However, community consultation is open for the BHWA until February 12. Go to the online consultation page, phone 1800 955 799 or email [email protected].

Key themes so far include property impacts, connections to local roads, environmental, social and amenity factors and timeframes for planning and delivery.

Protection of the Moorina-Narangba BHWA Stage 2 route corridor, as a future state-controlled road, is expected to be finalised by mid this year.

Next stages

Planning for Stage 3 from Narangba to Bald Hills will start in coming months. Stage 4 from Beerburrum to Moodlu will follow.

Early feedback on stages 3 and 4 can be provided using the online consultation page or contacting the project team.

The business cases for the Bruce Highway (Dohles Rocks Rd to Anzac Ave) upgrade is due for completion early 2023, Bruce Highway (Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Rd) by late 2023 and Gateway Motorway (Bracken Ridge to Pine River) also late 2023.