Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge between Palm Beach and Currumbin

[ozbob]

Planning has started on the proposed Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge between Palm Beach and Currumbin.

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-coolangatta-currumbin-creek-cycleway

"The proposed Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge will run east of, and separate to, the existing Currumbin Creek Estuary Bridge which forms part of the Gold Coast Highway between Palm Beach and Currumbin. The new bridge will provide a separated, dedicated and wider shared active transport path across Currumbin Creek, resulting in a safer and more accessible pathway."

[ozbob]

Media release: Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey
1st March 2023

Have your say on Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge

Proposed bridge includes separated, wider, and less steep paths for walkers, joggers, and bike ridersAddition to the existing Oceanway to connect Palm Beach to Currumbin over the creekFeedback can be provided online or in person until 27 March
Community consultation on a proposed active transport bridge over Currumbin Creek opens this week (3 March).

The proposed bridge would extend the existing Gold Coast Oceanway across the creek. It will connect to the 36-kilometres active transport path between Main Beach and Coolangatta. It is designed to make walking and bike riding an attractive alternative to driving.

The bridge is proposed to bet 450-metres-long and five-metres-wide, and will create a separate, dedicated and less steep pathway for walkers, joggers, and bike riders.

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $1.5 million to undertake planning for this project. Feedback received during the consultation will help develop the project's business case.

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey MP:

"Facilities like this will help grow the number of people leaving the car at home and walking or bike riding to the beach, shops and even to work," Mr Bailey said.

"We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs."

"Since taking office, the Palaszczuk Government has doubled the level of road and transport infrastructure for Queensland through a four-year, $29.7 billion plan."

"This includes $268.8 million over the next four years towards active transport initiatives, including bikeways, shared paths, and bridges across the state."

"Walkers, joggers and bike riders currently face a narrow, steep footpath on the existing Currumbin Creek estuary bridge, with no place to stop, rest and enjoy the view."

"The current path is also close to the highway, making it difficult for people in wheelchairs and pushing prams to access it safely and conveniently."

"The preferred option will improve accessibility, safety and convenience for the community and visitors who are coming to enjoy our great Gold Coast lifestyle."

"I encourage the community to have its say in person at one of our consultation sessions, or take a look at the plans online, to help shape the business case for this project."

For further information:

Consultation is open until 27 March and feedback can be provided on the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) website or at face-to-face sessions at Currumbin or Palm Beach.

Community sessions will be held on:

. Saturday 18 March 8am-1pm: Dune Café, Palm Beach
. Tuesday 21 March 12pm-5pm: Wallace Nicoll Park, Currumbin
. Thursday 23 March 9am-2pm: Dune Café, Palm Beach
. Sunday 26 March 9am-2pm Wallace Nicoll Park, Currumbin

For more information, and to provide feedback, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-coolangatta-currumbin-creek-cycleway

ENDS



 

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> The Currumbin Creek pedestrian bridge linking up the Oceanway will get a redesign $

The planned multimillion-dollar Currumbin Creek pedestrian bridge will have its height revised in the wake of community group protests.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads revealed it will go back to the drawing board after community consultation.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey went on site and spoke to community leaders including Kaylee Campradt from Friends of Currumbin. The Bulletin in March in a report warned of strong community opposition.

The community response to the government on the bridge will see:

* A design more in sympathy with the local landscape, to be at a lower height than first proposed and to tie in with local active travel routes.

* A complete redesign and reboot of public consultation once a new design is ready.

* The community gets another opportunity to have their say on the new design. ...

[SurfRail]

Kaylee IIRC was Labor's candidate for Currumbin in 2020 so no surprise there.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/578-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 578
Asked on 11 May 2023

MRS L GERBER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge (CCATB) planning project, the
'underslung bridge' design concept proposed by two community groups in my electorate (Friends
of Currumbin (FoC) and Tugun Progress Association (TPA)) and correspondence from at least
338 concerned members of the public calling on the Minister to intervene and re-visit the options
for the CCATB—
Will the Minister agree to consider as part of the CCATB planning project other possible
connections, including the design concept outlined by FoC and TPA?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Currumbin for the question.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) considered a lower, underslung option
during early investigations into the Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge planning project in
2022. Consultation with community groups, such as Friends of Currumbin, Tugun Progress
Association and Gecko Environment Council, was also undertaken on this option during the early
planning stage.

Advice from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), supported by Maritime Safety
Queensland, specified a nine-metre height requirement for marine clearance, which restricted
different planning options around a lower or underslung bridge option.

Following the feedback received during community consultation in March 2023, the project team
has continued to engage with GCWA to confirm the navigational height clearance and whether
alternative options would be considered feasible and functional for this location. TMR will refine
the design as part of the business case planning, based on feedback from the community,
incorporating comments on the height of the structure and the aesthetic appearance, ensuring
integration to the natural environment. TMR will also consult further with involved community
groups during any reassessment of options.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/733-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 733
Asked on 13 June 2023

MRS L GERBER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER
FOR DIGITIAL SERVICES (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Currumbin Creek Active Transport Bridge (the Pedestrian Bridge) proposal
being reviewed—
Will the Minister advise (a) how much taxpayer money was spent developing the initial proposal,
(b) how much taxpayer money is expected to be spent developing the re-design, (c) what is the
total estimated cost of the Pedestrian Bridge and (d) what is the timeline for delivery for the
Pedestrian Bridge, including, any business case and when the project is expected to be
completed?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Currumbin for the question.

On 8 June 2023, it was announced that the project's planning would investigate further design
options. This decision is based on feedback received during community consultation in
March 2023. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will continue to investigate feasible
design options and work closely with the local community towards a solution.
(a) The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2023–24 to 2026–27 (QTRIP)
released on state budget day outlines that the Gold Coast Highway (Broadbeach–
Coolangatta), Currumbin Creek cycleway—publicly known as the Currumbin Creek Active
Transport Bridge—planning project included an estimated expenditure, to 30 June 2023, of
$1,039,000.

(b) QTRIP further outlines an estimated spend of $461,000 in 2023–24.

(c) A cost estimate for delivery will be produced in the business case phase.

(d) It is anticipated the business case will be completed in mid–2024. Timelines for the delivery
of the project will be informed by the business case and subject to future government
funding commitments.