Main Roads progressing highway study: Lucas

Main Roads will form community focus groups to help make sure residents continue to have their say on the Cooroy to Curra Strategic Planning Study, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas said advertisements had today begun appearing in local media inviting people to nominate to take part in the community groups.

"The refined study area for the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Strategic Planning Study has emerged in direct response to wider community feedback so far," Mr Lucas said.

"The community has clearly said it wants to be closely involved in selecting the route for the highway upgrade - both Main Roads and I want to keep that momentum going, and the focus groups will help us do that.

"The study team is working hard to complete investigations as quickly as possible, with the aim of displaying the best overall location for the preferred corridor early next year.

"Over the next few months, the study team will be working closely with people who consider they may be affected by any potential corridor within the refined study area.”

Mr Lucas said using local focus groups would help the study team to draw on more detailed local knowledge in these areas.

“Main Roads will know more about the make-up of these groups once people have indicated the topics they want to raise,” Mr Lucas said.

“The focus groups will help the study team understand local issues in the refined study area, and will meet project team members to make sure their thoughts are taken into account in the final plan.”

Mr Lucas said the focus groups were part of a range of initiatives being undertaken to progress the planning study.

“A fourth planning study newsletter is being printed now, and will be distributed by the end of the month. It will be mailed to all property owners within the original study area,” Mr Lucas said.

"The newsletter will provide information about the study process and why this location for the highway upgrade has emerged. The community will also have the opportunity to provide further feedback to the study team.”

Mr Lucas said Main Roads would soon start to carry out a number of surveys and inspections to progress the planning study. This could be carried out inside and, if needed, outside the study area, and include flora, fauna and fish habitat surveys and cultural heritage investigations.

"To carry out this field work, Main Roads will shortly be sending a notice of entry to a number of property owners. This letter will request permission to gain access to these selected properties during the coming weeks,” Mr Lucas said.

"It is important that property owners who receive this letter understand that it does not necessarily mean that Main Roads will require their land in future. These investigations will help us gather information for the study planning process.

"I want to thank the community for being patient during this important process.

"People interested in participating in a community focus group can call 1800 180 566. The study team is asking people to tell them how they can contribute their local community's views and issues.”

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