Published Thursday, 29 January, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Community engaged in flood planning study
Residents in Ingham had the chance today to have their say about Bruce Highway flooding, as part of a $5 million federally funded planning study recently commissioned by Main Roads.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the study would develop options for improving the flood immunity of the Bruce Highway between Rutledge Street and the southern foothills of the Cardwell Range.
“This study is an important step in determining ways to improve the performance of the highway during the wet season, including considering options beyond the existing alignment,” Mr Pitt said.
“Main Roads will use the options developed in the study for future funding submissions to the Federal Government.”
As part of the study, Main Roads today convened the second meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), which consists of local residents, business owners and key stakeholders from the Ingham area.
“The PAC meeting focused on the best ways to get the community involved in developing options for improving the flood immunity of this section of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Pitt said.
“Consulting with the PAC gives us an insight into the community and the best ways to engage them in the planning process. Involving the community is an important part of this process.”
Mr Pitt said the PAC would provide advice and review the consultation process for the duration of the study, which is expected to take up to three years to complete.
“Today’s meeting was especially important for the community following the recent closure of the Bruce Highway at the Seymour River, north of Ingham, after extensive rainfall and king tides,” he said.
“During the next few months, Main Roads will consulting with landholders to identify options and gather vital local knowledge. Businesses will also be consulted with to have their say and gather data for the economic and social impact assessments.”
Anyone who would like to be involved with the PAC can phone 1300 139 824 (recorded message) or email ingham@ebc.net.au. Opportunities to get involved in the study and progress updates will be advertised in Herbert River Express and sent out in the mail.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the study would develop options for improving the flood immunity of the Bruce Highway between Rutledge Street and the southern foothills of the Cardwell Range.
“This study is an important step in determining ways to improve the performance of the highway during the wet season, including considering options beyond the existing alignment,” Mr Pitt said.
“Main Roads will use the options developed in the study for future funding submissions to the Federal Government.”
As part of the study, Main Roads today convened the second meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), which consists of local residents, business owners and key stakeholders from the Ingham area.
“The PAC meeting focused on the best ways to get the community involved in developing options for improving the flood immunity of this section of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Pitt said.
“Consulting with the PAC gives us an insight into the community and the best ways to engage them in the planning process. Involving the community is an important part of this process.”
Mr Pitt said the PAC would provide advice and review the consultation process for the duration of the study, which is expected to take up to three years to complete.
“Today’s meeting was especially important for the community following the recent closure of the Bruce Highway at the Seymour River, north of Ingham, after extensive rainfall and king tides,” he said.
“During the next few months, Main Roads will consulting with landholders to identify options and gather vital local knowledge. Businesses will also be consulted with to have their say and gather data for the economic and social impact assessments.”
Anyone who would like to be involved with the PAC can phone 1300 139 824 (recorded message) or email ingham@ebc.net.au. Opportunities to get involved in the study and progress updates will be advertised in Herbert River Express and sent out in the mail.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819