Community gets involved with BaT tunnel

More than 3,000 Queenslanders have given their feedback to help shape the design of the once-in-a generation Bus and Train (BaT) Tunnel project.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said it was pleasing to see so many people having their say on the draft design of the project that will revolutionise public transport and create more than 18,000 full-time jobs in Brisbane.

“We wanted as many people as possible to provide their feedback, so it was great to have more than 3,000 people provide their thoughts during March and April,” Mr Emerson said.

“This government promised to deliver better planning and better infrastructure and this project is a perfect example of this.

“As well as written and online submissions, seven community information sessions were held with more than 300 people in attendance.

“An online ‘BaT’ chat session garnered more than one hundred interactions and the BaT project website had almost 10,000 unique visits during the consultation period.

“Many residents also visited information displays at various Brisbane City Council libraries and the State Library.”

Mr Emerson said the draft reference design was an important step in the planning process for the vital infrastructure project.

“The comments and feedback from residents, stakeholders and industry will help to shape the project’s final reference design,” he said.

“Now, we will analyse the feedback received and consider any community impacts and issues raised and following this some refinements may be made to the design. 

The final reference design and environmental impact statement are expected to be available for public comment later this year.

The BaT project is a world-first design, which will create combining a railway and busway in a single, double-decked, 15-metre-wide tunnel beneath the Brisbane River and central business district.

The project is due to be completed in 2020 and operational in 2021.

For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/batproject

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Media contacts: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637