At the heart of an ambitious initiative for the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) lies Stage 4 of the project, a stretch between Beerburrum and Moodlu near Caboolture, holds the potential to significantly impact the region’s transportation landscape.
The BHWA project has a dual mission: to provide an alternative route to the Bruce Highway, a vital artery connecting communities, and to address persistent congestion issues while preparing for future growth, including the Elimbah future development area.
Community Involvement
Transport and Main Roads is urging the community to actively participate in shaping the future of this critical transport corridor. Residents are encouraged to share their insights and opinions on various corridor options proposed for Stage 4. The consultation period is set to conclude on Friday, 9th February 2024, with the deadline for submissions at 5:00 PM.
The importance of community involvement cannot be overstated. Since the consultation’s launch on November 30, 2023, TMR has engaged with over 500 community members through informative sessions in Elimbah, Wamuran, and Beerburrum. Moreover, the project has received over 200 individual feedback submissions.
A Phased Approach to Planning and Protection
The BHWA project operates under a four-stage approach to identify and safeguard the land necessary for the future motorway. Stages 1 and 2, spanning from Moodlu to Narangba, have already successfully protected more than 22 kilometers for a future state-controlled road.
Investigations are currently underway for Stage 3, which encompasses the stretch between Narangba and north Brisbane. Early feedback for this area continues to be sought, and TMR remains dedicated to keeping the community informed as the planning process unfolds.
“This once-in-a-generation infrastructure project is being planned in response to our rapidly growing region. With the forecast growth across South East Queensland, a new, alternative road west of the Bruce Highway will boost the capacity of the transport network, reduce congestion and future-proof the enviable lifestyle enjoyed by residents in the area. Community consultation is an important part of major projects like this, to make sure we are delivering the best outcome for the community,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King said.
“The future Moreton Motorway will become a key route linking north Brisbane with Beerburrum. It will help connect existing, emerging, and future communities across the region, without having to get on the Bruce Highway. Our region’s forecast growth will result in inevitable change, and we are planning ahead to meet the travel needs and expectations of locals and visitors,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said.
The Importance of the BHWA Project
In light of South East Queensland’s projected growth of almost 2.2 million people over the next 25 years, it is evident that this new motorway project holds far-reaching implications. Even with substantial upgrades to the Bruce Highway, an additional and separate transport corridor is imperative to connect existing and emerging communities identified in the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP). Communities such as Waraba, Morayfield South, Pine Valley, Petrie, and Elimbah stand to benefit significantly from this forward-looking initiative.
As the consultation deadline approaches, the BHWA project represents an opportunity for the community to actively contribute to shaping the future of transportation in the region. Your insights and opinions matter, and TMR is eager to hear them.
Published 29-Jan-2024
