Key land has been protected for a section of planned motorway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, after the route was altered to reduce the impact on some residents.
The state government has confirmed that land has been secured for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, between Moodlu and Elimbah.
Earlier plans to extend the route to Beerburrum have been cast aside, to avoid impacting locals and to focus on other growth areas.
Glass House MP Andrew Powell issued a media release stating that the Bruce Highway Western Alternative will provide a north-south route between Bald Hills and Elimbah that will ease pressure on the Bruce Highway.
Stage 4 will be gazetted between the D’Aguilar Highway at Moodlu to Twin View Road at Elimbah.
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Mr Powell said the highway alternative, also known as the Moreton Motorway, would make a significant difference to commuters.
“I’ve always backed the Bruce Highway Western Alternative,” he said.
“It will play a critical role in strengthening the transport network by boosting capacity and reducing congestion as the region grows, while improving connectivity and access to jobs, education and essential services.
“Protecting the corridor now ensures future generations benefit from safer and more reliable connections.”
Mr Powell told Sunshine Coast News the planned route has changed to lessen impacts on some locals and to support other growing areas.
“The BHWA Stage 4 route previously connected to Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum,” he said.
“However, the recently confirmed alignment now finishes at Twin View Road in Elimbah.
“Elimbah is a designated future growth area with significant planned urban, industrial, and community development.
“The revised road alignment will support this growing community by providing an alternative to the Bruce Highway and enabling more efficient travel south toward Brisbane.”
But he acknowledged that some property owners along the corridor will be impacted and he said he understood the mixed emotions some residents may feel.
“Please know that, as your local member, I am here to support you through the gazettal process, answer questions and work through this together,” he said.
