New route for Moreton Motorway
New plans have been unveiled for the controversial Stage 4 of a Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) – now dubbed the Moreton Motorway.
The 12.6km northern section of motorway is now proposed to take a wider western path around Elimbah, rather than through the township.
It would run from Steve Irwin Way through state forest to the north-west Elimbah's SEQ development area, then across rural land to the D’Aguilar Highway.
Bridges are proposed at Whittington, Child, Brucknell, Old Gympie, Twin View and McDougall Rds. Overpasses at Beerburrum Rd and across the railway line.
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says “significant consideration” was given to waterways, vegetation and cultural heritage, avoiding Mount Elimbah (The Saddleback) and Mount Miketeebumulgrai.
Stage 4 is the northern section of a 50km Moreton Motorway from Beerburrum, through Waraba (Caboolture West), to Petrie. Stages 1 and 2 have been gazetted.
But, comments on social media suggest around 30 homes – down from more than 100 in the original proposal - will still be directly impacted by the new road.
TMR’s new plan comes 15 months after a huge community campaign against the two original routes sent planners back to the drawing board.
Campaigners said on their Alternative BHWA Facebook page: “A day of mixed emotions for a community with the announcement of a new proposed route.
“For those that have gotten letters the second time around our hearts go out to you and you are not alone.
“For those that have received letters we understand and acknowledge how you are feeling. Many in the community can relate.”
Rachel McFarlane said: “It's a good day for some, a sad day for others. But we need to keep advocating for fair compensation for those affected.”
Residents are urged to read the stage 4 route document, “take time to process” and “there will be a community meeting shortly”.
On the post Cherie Lund said she “fought against the last proposed route and save homes 1.6 kms from my home, only to have the new suggested route be 300m from my front door”.
Claire Buccini added: “What does this achieve, that upgrading D’Aguilar Highway to 4 lanes back to the existing Bruce (highway) doesn't? This is not a Bruce highway alternative, it is a feeder road for developers and nothing more.”
Rob Davis reminded readers: “LNP only promised to scrap Options 1 & 2 and they kept that promise. Stage 4 had to join the previously approved route on the south side - so options were limited. Yes, some people will inevitably be affected, but this is far better than the original suggestion.”
Keith Petley commented: “Going back to the very beginning I was saying expand the Bruce. Easily fit more lanes, north and south.”
TMR has started community consultation. It is open now and will run for six weeks to April 30.
Three Community Consultation sessions are planned. Each is around 45 minutes. Bookings are essential. Click here to book.
Saturday March 29 – Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall, 10 Coronation Dr, Elimbah.
Tuesday April 1 – Wamuran Sports Complex Hall, 84 Campbells Pocket Rd, Wamuran.
Friday April 4 – Beerburrum School of Arts, 7 Anzac Ave, Beerburrum.