Western bypass letter from Paul Lucas
Hi, members and friends of The Gap Community Association. The executive met today (Good Friday) to go over a few things before our next monthly association meeting on 24 April.
One item we discussed was a letter from Transport Minister Paul Lucas’ office dated March 16, 2006 re: the western bypass. This was in response to my letter to him dated February 13. I and other executive members are quite happy with the Minister’s advice.
Some of the main passages:
“… because of the enormity of the task of assessing the transport needs of western Brisbane, the study, previously titled ‘Western Brisbane Road Network Investigation’, has been expanded and will now involve the whole transport network of western Brisbane. The project will include rail, freight, public transport, and pedestrian and cycle networks…. the project has been retitled ‘Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation’ (WBTNI).
One of the many considerations of the WBTNI will be whether or not there is a need for a western bypass of Brisbane and where such a major facility should be located. …. the study area will be…. west of the Brisbane CBD including the western suburbs, and extending west to include the Brisbane Valley Highway, north to include Caboolture and south to include the Warrego Highway-Ipswich Motorway.
The State Government does not have any preconceived ideas about the most appropriate transport solutions for the area. Over the coming months, Main Roads will appoint one of these (planning, engineering & community engagement) consortia to undertake this major strategic planning project. Community engagement activities will commence soon after.
The Gap Community Association has been added to the stakeholder database, so you can be assured you will be invited to provide input and comment throughout the project. If you require any further information …. please contact Mr Peter Just, Principal Engineer (Major Planning and Projects) on 3834 8406.”
Complete copies of the letter will be tabled at our next Gap Community Association meeting at Hilder Road State School on Monday, 24 April, from 7.30pm. I will continue keep in touch re: the western bypass issue and the upcoming community consultation process.
Andrew McMicking