News
12 July, 2024
‘All we have is rhetoric’
Residents will face another Christmas uncertain if their homes will be bulldozed for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Alternative after the government revealed new plans would not be released until 2025.
Transport and Main Roads made the announcement last week following sustained pressure from Elimbah, Moodlu and Caboolture residents who face losing their homes to the current proposed route options.
The original controversial route was released in December 2023, but following community outrage, the Government was forced back to the drawing board.
Many residents said it was unacceptable their lives would remain “in limbo” for another year.
Elimbah resident, Jason Smith, criticised the lack of communication about scrapping the current routes, calling the announcement merely “rhetoric and a timeline.”
“Until we have been notifi ed in writing or by clear media statement that the current proposed routes have been scrapped, they are still in play,” Mr Smith said.
“What we need to see is clear written communication that the current proposed routes have been removed from consideration in their entirety.”
Mr Smith added that the announcement only indicated TMR would release a modified or alternate route for community engagement following the state election.
State Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, deemed the announcement “bitterly disappointing” and he criticised the ongoing uncertainty for affected communities.
He highlighted residents’ inability to sell their properties and the unfairness of prolonged uncertainty.
“It’s not how you treat people - in the meantime there is no certainty for people in these existing communities,” Mr Powell said.
“They can’t sell their properties, they have to go through another Christmas of uncertainty and it’s just not fair.”
Transport Minister Bart Mellish stated that the community “had been listened to” and that new investigations aim to reduce the impact on urban areas. He noted that any construction on the BHWA is still over a decade away.
“It’s clear that a considerable amount of care and thought has gone into the large volume of submissions received,” Mr Mellish wrote.
“Investigations will continue to consider alternative alignments that strike a balance of improving transport networks, while minimising impacts.
“We remain committed to working with stakeholders and the community to meet future travel needs, while respecting existing community views.”
