Elimbah residents have successfully stopped a plan to route the Bruce Highway Western Alternative Stage 4 through their community, marking a significant victory for local homeowners.
The announcement came on Friday, 20 December 2024, when officials confirmed that the controversial corridor options for the highway between Beerburrum and Moodlu had been permanently ruled out.
The decision follows a year-long campaign by the Elimbah community, which cited concerns about property loss, environmental impacts, and lifestyle changes.
Community Efforts Force a Change
The fight began in December 2023, when the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) shocked residents by proposing two routes that cut through the heart of Elimbah. Hundreds of locals quickly mobilised, launching petitions, organising public meetings, and submitting over 850 pieces of feedback.
Their efforts gained traction, prompting initial investigations into alternative routes earlier this year.
Key campaigners highlighted the community’s determination to protect their homes and the surrounding environment. Residents raised issues such as cultural heritage, natural preservation, and the impact on the local way of life. By May 2024, the TMR acknowledged these concerns and began exploring corridor options further west.
New Direction Confirmed
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated that they listened to community feedback and ruled out the original routes. Investigations into a new alignment are expected to conclude in early 2025.
Officials emphasised the importance of balancing infrastructure development with the needs of established communities and Elimbah’s projected urban growth. In their statement, officials noted that 70 per cent of public submissions centred on concerns about property impacts and suggestions for alternative routes.
Many proposed utilising existing roadways to minimise disruptions. Moving forward, the project aims to improve regional connections while easing congestion across South East Queensland.
Residents Call for Accountability
While the announcement was met with celebration, some Elimbah residents remain cautious. Community leaders have called for continued transparency, swift communication of updates, and fair compensation for any future property acquisitions. Others expressed scepticism about the involvement of certain contractors in future planning, underscoring the need for careful oversight.
The new alignment for Stage 4 is part of a broader effort to support the region’s long-term growth under the South East Queensland Regional Plan. Elimbah’s expanded urban footprint is set to accommodate significant residential and employment developments over the next 25 years.
Further updates are expected in early 2025, and residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the project team for developments.
Published 26-Dec-2024
