The Department of Transport and Main Roads has created a stakeholder interest group (SIG) to participate in the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade project, a move that has been welcomed by community groups.
Feedback from the SIG, which represents residents, motorists, transport operators, businesses and local facilities, will be considered as part of various project options – including traffic, flood and stormwater modelling, environmental and cultural heritage investigations.
One of the key community groups involved in the consultation, the Caloundra Residents Association (CRA) says it, “looks forward to a robust, transparent and respectful process of engagement that genuinely informs the final detailed design”.
“There are many questions and concerns that people have about this project such as how it fits into the bigger picture, and how the benefits of it are achieved while the things important to the community are protected or enhanced in the process,” the CRA said.
“While we would have loved to see it established much earlier in the overall project, including to have covered the concept design phase, we need to look forward to getting the best outcome.”
Plans are progressing on the $37.8 million corridor, which will provide a new road connecting Nicklin Way, north of the Caloundra Road roundabout, with the city centre.
The project aims to reduce delays and congestion at the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout. It involves widening Oval Avenue and Third Avenue from two lane to four lanes, and connecting Oval Avenue with Omrah Avenue.
However, community groups – including the CRA – say the community in the majority is still standing strong against any idea of a four-lane design option that it fears would effectively “rip” through the town’s centre, bring major traffic into an urban village and impact a precious bush reserve. The groups say they prefer a two-lane option.
Read a previous related story: Residents’ fight against new four-lane road turns a corner
TMR has assured, “The SIG is not being pressured to accept a design option as that is not its role”.
The CRA said it was aware there is significant opposition to four lanes and some people would prefer none through Ben Bennett Reserve and Bicentennial Park and they understand that’s not an option.
“The next phase of the project must be allowed to run its course and all we ask for is a robust engagement process. The SIG is a key part of this,” the CRA said.
The TMR said the Department and Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) remain committed to working closely with the community to improve access to Caloundra.
“The (SIG) … provides a further opportunity for community issues to be discussed with, and understood by, the project team,” the TMR spokesperson said.
“The SIG membership selection process and purpose have been clearly outlined in the terms of reference and agreed by members.
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“The project will consider a range of factors including safety, environmental and property impacts, and feedback from the community while carefully considering the best outcome to meet the future transport needs of our community.
“The project team is currently reviewing design options. TMR and SCC will keep the community updated as the project progresses.”
Queensland TMR Minister Mark Bailey said the SIG members would play a key role during CTCU design period.
“This project will make a big difference for motorists, bike riders, pedestrians and public transport users alike, so it’s great to see we’re a step closer to delivery,” Mr Bailey said.
“Feedback from the stakeholder interest group … will help us make sure the road extension meets the needs of local residents.”
READ MORE: Anger as four-lane shortcut to slice ‘last’ bush reserve
SCC Councillor Terry Landsberg said, “Community feedback about the impacts of the new transport link on Bicentennial Park is a key design consideration … A review of the link through the park has been undertaken with an intention to reduce the footprint as the project progresses through detailed design.”
For more information and to register to receive updates, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au or www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
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