A comprehensive review of community feedback on the proposed route for Stage Four of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative through Elimbah is now underway.
The consultation, which drew to a close on 9 February 2024, spotlighted the community’s active participation, with more than 800 submissions received, marking a significant phase in the project’s planning process.
The consultation period was initiated after TMR released detailed plans in December 2023, outlining two potential routes for the BHWA through Elimbah to Moodlu.
This announcement spurred a robust campaign from the residents of Elimbah, who rallied for a route that would circumvent the town, favouring paths through state forests or farmland to minimise the impact on the local community.
The community’s efforts included a petition that amassed over 10,000 signatures, numerous packed community meetings, and direct engagements with local councillors, state members, and ministers.
These actions underscore the residents’ strong desire to influence the route’s final selection, emphasising the importance of preserving the town’s integrity.
In response to the consultation’s closure, TMR has indicated that early feedback highlights a preference for a corridor option that lies further west of Elimbah township. This alternative aims to lessen the impact on residential properties and reduce community division.
The BHWA project, intended to span 50km as a dual motorway from Beerburrum to Bald Hills and passing through Moodlu, Morina, and the western side of Morayfield and Narangba, has already seen the route and land for its first two stages identified and secured.
Meanwhile, after months of grassroots campaigning and gathering nearly 11,000 signatures, community members concerned about the potential resumption of their homes for the Bruce Highway Alternative Route have secured a crucial meeting with State Transport Minister Bart Mellish on 23 February 2024.
The focus of the discussions will be on urging TMR to reconsider the proposed routes to minimise community impact and prioritise sustainable public transport and upgrades to existing infrastructure over new highway constructions.
Jason Smith, one of the lead petitioners against the TMR project, said the upcoming meeting as just the beginning of a prolonged effort to ensure a route selection that addresses long-term issues without disproportionately affecting the community.
As the government and TMR mull over the community’s submissions, with a response expected within four weeks, the collective effort of East Caboolture, Moodlu, and Elimbah residents stands as a significant movement towards achieving a more considerate and less intrusive highway development plan.
Published 23-February-2024
