UMPIRE RULES ON NINGI BYPASS
Published Tuesday, 14 August, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
A comprehensive independent study has concluded the social, environmental and financial cost of a Ningi Bypass would be too great.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the study by Maunsell has found widening the existing Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to four lanes at Ningi is the best option.
“From the outset I said I would support the umpire’s decision.
“A bypass would mean impacts on other residents and the environment at a price tag almost three times the cost of upgrading the existing road.
“Bypass option A would cost $296 million compared with $105 million to widen the current route,” Mr Lucas said.
The Maunsell report identified four possible corridors for a bypass.
It found all would impact on residential properties, cause significant loss of endangered remnant vegetation and habitats of threatened wildlife species, particularly in the wetland areas south of Ningi.
“Maunsell’s report clearly states an upgrade of the existing road to four lanes is the preferred option.
“Caboolture-Bribie Island Road was constructed with a set-back from properties built into the design so extra lanes could be added with minimal impact on the neighbours,” Mr Lucas said.
Member for Pumicestone, Carryn Sullivan, said the study and its findings would now bring certainty to the local Ningi community.
“Opinions have been divided on this issue, but I welcome the release of this report.
“I will be urging Main Roads to begin planning works for the Ningi upgrade between Bestmann Road and east of Redondo Street.
“As well as a 1.5 kilometre section to the Bribie Island Bridge, once Aerodrome Road to Saints Road is completed,” Mrs Sullivan said.
Mr Lucas said that the upgrade will address many resident’s concerns about drainage problems by providing kerbs and channelling.
“The improvements will focus on getting people onto the road and to their destination safely.
“$225 million has been allocated by the State Government to start work on upgrading Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
“The 5.5 kilometre section between Aerodrome and Saints roads is the main priority and, when finished, will help ease congestion for traffic coming off the Bruce Highway,” he said.
Mr Lucas said that dedicated turning lanes to improve safety at the T-junctions of Hickey and Saint roads had already been completed.
“This is an immediate $1 million safety upgrade funded by speed and red light camera fines under the State Government’s Safer Roads Sooner program.”
The Maunsell report is available on the Main Roads web site:
Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.