Published Saturday, 01 December, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Paul Lucas
FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON NORTHERN LINK PROPOSAL
The State Government is inviting public feedback on a planned Brisbane City Council toll-road – the Northern Link Tunnel – from the western suburbs to the city.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said the Coordinator-General yesterday released the draft Terms of Reference for the tunnel’s Environmental Impact Statement.
“This is the first chance for people to have a say on this major project, and it's just the start of a thorough consultation process," Mr Lucas said.
"The community can rest assured there will be no final decision on Northern Link until after rigorous environmental assessment and public input, which is likely to run until the end of 2008."
Northern Link will be a 5.5km toll-tunnel, 85 per cent underground, linking the Western Freeway at Toowong to the Inner City Bypass at Herston and running under Toowong, Auchenflower, Paddington, Red Hill, Spring Hill and Kelvin Grove.
Mr Lucas said Brisbane City Council's Northern Link needed to be considered in the context of the future transport needs of South East Queensland.
"This is an important project and I urge people to get out there and have their say about it.
"The Coordinator-General has made it a requirement that Council examine all strategic transport alternatives for the parts of Brisbane potentially impacted by the project.
“That includes considering how this tunnel influences the need for and potential location of a western bypass and future traffic demand in the western suburbs," Mr Lucas said.
“We need people to have their say on Northern Link so we get it right. It's a massive project - up to four years to build, potentially creating 1 500 jobs during construction.
“The project is expected to reduce cross-city congestion and travel times, enhance bus trips, lower noise and improve air quality issues along existing congested arterial roads.
"That's why the Rudd Labor Government has committed $500 million to build the tunnel - and the EIS is about moving it forward.
“We need the community to tell the Coordinator-General the environmental, social and economic issues that should investigated as part of the EIS.
“The draft ToR can be found at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au and Brisbane City Council ward offices and libraries.
“Submissions will be accepted until January 31, 2008. There will also be a further chance for public comment when the EIS is released in the second half of next year.
"I encourage people to have their say about the sorts of issues they want included in the EIS."
Brisbane City Council is holding public information sessions tomorrow (Saturday) and on December 12. For information visit www.northernlinkeis.com.au
Media contact: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said the Coordinator-General yesterday released the draft Terms of Reference for the tunnel’s Environmental Impact Statement.
“This is the first chance for people to have a say on this major project, and it's just the start of a thorough consultation process," Mr Lucas said.
"The community can rest assured there will be no final decision on Northern Link until after rigorous environmental assessment and public input, which is likely to run until the end of 2008."
Northern Link will be a 5.5km toll-tunnel, 85 per cent underground, linking the Western Freeway at Toowong to the Inner City Bypass at Herston and running under Toowong, Auchenflower, Paddington, Red Hill, Spring Hill and Kelvin Grove.
Mr Lucas said Brisbane City Council's Northern Link needed to be considered in the context of the future transport needs of South East Queensland.
"This is an important project and I urge people to get out there and have their say about it.
"The Coordinator-General has made it a requirement that Council examine all strategic transport alternatives for the parts of Brisbane potentially impacted by the project.
“That includes considering how this tunnel influences the need for and potential location of a western bypass and future traffic demand in the western suburbs," Mr Lucas said.
“We need people to have their say on Northern Link so we get it right. It's a massive project - up to four years to build, potentially creating 1 500 jobs during construction.
“The project is expected to reduce cross-city congestion and travel times, enhance bus trips, lower noise and improve air quality issues along existing congested arterial roads.
"That's why the Rudd Labor Government has committed $500 million to build the tunnel - and the EIS is about moving it forward.
“We need the community to tell the Coordinator-General the environmental, social and economic issues that should investigated as part of the EIS.
“The draft ToR can be found at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au and Brisbane City Council ward offices and libraries.
“Submissions will be accepted until January 31, 2008. There will also be a further chance for public comment when the EIS is released in the second half of next year.
"I encourage people to have their say about the sorts of issues they want included in the EIS."
Brisbane City Council is holding public information sessions tomorrow (Saturday) and on December 12. For information visit www.northernlinkeis.com.au
Media contact: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868