Premier replies to Western Bypass letter
On February 22 this year the association wrote to the Premier, Peter Beattie MP, about our concern over the proposed Western Bypass being built through The Gap. This followed our public meeting on February 16 (attended by 400 people) at which we called for a public guarantee by both the State Government and the BCC that such a road through The Gap will not occur.
Our letter advised of the public meeting’s request for the ‘guarantee’. (It must be pointed out at this stage that a similar letter also went to the Lord Mayor; to date we have only received an ‘acknowledgement letter’ from Campbell Newman and no detailed reply).
As tabled at our GCA meeting last Monday night (June 27), we have now received a response to our letter from the Premier (albeit signed by his Chief of Staff, Rob Whiddon).
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for your letter of 22 February concerning the western bypass. I have been requested to reply to you on the Premier’s behalf.
Your association’s objection to a Western Bypass route through The Gap is noted.
The Premier referred this matter to the Honourable Terry Mackenroth MP, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Sport who has advised that from the outset it is emphasised that the State Government will need to undertake significant investigation and consultation before a route can be chosen. It is important to note that no route can be chosen before this investigation is completed. Any statement to the contrary is demonstrably false.
The State Government has earmarked $5 million towards a Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation, and has sought a matching contribution from the Commonwealth Government. This study is expected to take around three years to complete and will commence in the 2005-06 financial year.
The study will look at the transport needs and the likely future traffic flows on western Brisbane’s arterial road network. The assessment of traffic will provide firm data on the need or otherwise for a bypass. The route ultimately chosen will be the route that provides the most benefits for Brisbane, the broader community and best fits with the existing and planned road network.
Again, thank you for bringing your concerns to the Premier’s attention.
Yours sincerely
Rob Whiddon
Chief of Staff
If you want a photocopy of the actual letter signed by Mr Whiddon, please let President Andrew McMicking know and he will mail out a copy to you.
Any comments or feedback people have on the response from the Premier’s office would be appreciated. To leave a comment, click here.