Community consultation kicks off for proposed bypass tunnel

• Community invited to have their say on proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel
• Consultation commences will run from Monday October 30 to December 3
• Tunnel proposal to tackle congestion in Brisbane’s North

The community are invited to have their say on a proposed Gympie Road bypass tunnel between Kedron and Carseldine, to tackle congestion in Brisbane’s growing north.

Consultation commences on Monday 30 October, 2023.

Residents, businesses and other interested parties to have their say throughout the consultation period, which ends on December 3, 2023, through a number of ways.

The consultation follows the announcement by Treasurer Cameron Dick in June this year that a detailed investment proposal was underway into a proposed Gympie Road Bypass tunnel.

The investment proposal analysis is being undertaken by North Brisbane Infrastructure, a subsidiary of the Queensland Investment Corporation.

The results of that analysis are due to be submitted to the State Government for further consideration in mid-2024.

Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“I undertook that community consultation would occur before the end of the year and, now we are delivering on that commitment.

The detailed investment proposal is continuing, but at the same time, we want the community to have their say.

“Our Government is committed to listening to Queenslanders and investing in planning for Queensland’s future growth.

“This tunnel proposal presents a potential solution for a congestion challenge on Brisbane’s norther fringe.

“Forecast population growth on the Sunshine Coast and in the Moreton Bay region will result on more commuter traffic heading into Brisbane, so now is the right time to do this work.” 

“Queensland Investment Corporation has nearly $30 billion worth of infrastructure assets under management and the expertise to give us the clearest answer in the shortest time.

“The proposal has the potential to deliver wide ranging benefits for both commuters and locals living along the Gympie Road corridor.

“Should this progress to the next stage, we will make sure we keep the community informed and there are opportunities for further consultation.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

“The Palaszczuk Government is tackling congestion on many fronts, including undertaking this important work on a proposed Gympie Road bypass tunnel.

“From the ‘Second M1’ on the Gold Coast to significant upgrades along the Bruce Highway and Caboolture Bribie Island Road, we are doing the heavy lifting for commuters in the South East.

“We are also focusing our efforts on improving public and active transport, including the Northern Transitway, which will help to take more cars off the road and improve journey times for all commuters.

Quotes attributable to Member for Aspley Bart Mellish:

“Gympie Road gridlock has been an issue for some time and it will get worse as the population continues to grow – we need solutions like this on the table.

“This presents an important opportunity to change things for the better and deliver an effective solution to the gridlock challenge.

Quotes attributable to Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd:

“Pine Rivers is a terrific area to live and raise a family, but commute times to the city and beyond are a real issue.

“A new tunnel under Gympie Road would unblock congestion and provide opportunities to get to and from work faster and spend more time with their loved ones.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan:

“This tunnel solution will take through traffic underground and return Gympie Road to connecting locals with our community, including those who use Gympie Road or cross over Gympie Road to reach local destinations.”

Potential benefits include:

• reduced commuter times for travellers from Brisbane’s growing northern region
• reduced traffic for local road users
• public and active transport opportunities
• improved liveability for local communities
• increased productivity and efficiency for commercial vehicles and freight.

You can have your say though:

• taking a quick poll
• completing an online survey
• posting a message on the comment board
• attending an information session.

To find out more visit www.northbrisbaneinfrastructure.com.au .

ENDS

Media contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875