Listening and delivering: Community to inform next steps for Queensland's future motorway

• New investigations are underway to understand the viability of an alternative route proposal for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative.
• This follows valuable feedback from locals during extensive community consultation.
• $20 million planning project remains underway to plan and protect an alternative to the Bruce Highway for growing western region.
• More than 650,000 people are expected to more to the Moreton Bay region by 2041, putting pressure on existing connections.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish has today announced that Transport and Main Roads will investigate an alternative proposed route for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative.

Stage 4 is proposed to connect Beerburrum and Moodlu. Two routes were proposed for community feedback in late 2023.

More than 500 community members attended information sessions and more than 850 submissions were received between November 2023 and February 2024.

As well as minimising property impacts, insights confirm strong community interest in a route further west that reduces impact on the urban footprint and community severance.

Based on the feedback, Transport and Main Roads will now assess options for an alternative route, further west.

These new investigations are expected to be completed by early 2025 and locals will be reengaged for further consultation during that time.

Local residents and interested community members are encouraged to subscribe to receive project updates by visiting the project web page at https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa/stage-4 or phone the project team on 1800 955 799 to register your details.

Social, environmental and amenity impacts, connecting communities, and reducing traffic congestion remain key considerations for the project.

Importantly, any construction on the Bruce Highway Western Alternative is still more than a decade away – pending further detailed planning, business case proposals, staging and funding.

Determining a future transport corridor is a complex and sensitive task which takes considerable time.

Transport and Main Roads understands how the current planning may impact people within the proposed area, from Beerburrum through to Narangba, and would like to assure the community that progressing alternative investigations is a priority to provide certainty for property owners and residents in the area.

Given the strong representations from the community, TMR will also undertake to work alongside other government agencies, including local government to plan and design what Elimbah and surrounds might look in the future, following the Shaping SEQ plan released last year.

Outcomes from this year’s consultation will be available to the community in the next few months.

Further information yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa and 1800 955 799.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“It’s clear that a considerable amount of care and thought has gone into the large volume of submissions received and I thank those who have taken the time to help shape their community.

"Let me assure you that TMR is carefully considering every piece of feedback.

“The Miles Government has listened to the community and investigations will continue to consider alternative alignments that strike a balance of improving transport networks, while minimising impacts.

"Our region’s forecast growth will result in inevitable change, and we remain committed to working with stakeholders and the community to meet future travel needs, while respecting existing community views.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Pumicestone, Ali King

“Every step of the way I’ve advocated for our community’s voices to be heard about Bruce Highway Western Alternative Stage 4. 

“That’s why I got residents extended consultation periods and extra face to face sessions, and it’s why I’m so glad to see consideration of the original route paused while TMR assesses the further Western route. 

“I know the commitment of a timeline of early 2025 for reporting back to the community on the proposed further Western route will be welcomed by residents.”

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Mellish office – 0419 288 284