Ministerial Statement: Next step for proposed Kenmore Bypass

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Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
20/04/2008

Next step for proposed Kenmore Bypass

The State Government will proceed to the next stage of investigating a potential Kenmore bypass.

This follows an initial study designed to identify any major technical issues in building the bypass, along a long-standing road corridor.

The 3km link, from Moggill Road at Pullenvale to the Centenary Highway at Fig Tree Pocket, bypasses a 6km section of Moggill Road.

The preliminary study has found a proposed Kenmore Bypass would:
? cater for an estimated traffic demand of around 25,000 vehicles a day in 2026
? reduce 'rat running' on local streets
? provide an opportunity for public transport improvements along Moggill Road
? significantly reduce traffic on Moggill Road and allow through traffic to avoid three schools and a busy shopping centre.

However, the study also found some issues needed further investigation. These include:
? resulting increased traffic demand and congestion along the section of the Centenary Highway between the Fig Tree Pocket and Moggill Road interchanges
? land acquisition and property resumptions, largely associated with the Centenary Highway interchange
? likely high construction costs, given the difficult terrain and necessary land acquisitions
? complementary public transport initiatives, environmental impacts, capacity analyses, and geotechnical issues.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the planning was part of the government's efforts to combat congestion problems in south-east Queensland, but cautioned that a final decision had not yet been made to build the road.

"The government is serious about tackling congestion. We know how important this issue is to the quality of life of Queenslanders, and we have to look at all the options in consultation with local communities,'' he said.

"For the Kenmore Bypass, the initial study shows that the route could cater for around 25,000 vehicles a day in 2026. We now need to talk to the local community and consider planning options before a final decision is made."

Mr Pitt said the bypass was being considered as a local solution in response to suburban growth issues and increased traffic volume in the Kenmore-Moggill area and adjacent suburbs.

"Moggill Road is the only access road to the Brisbane CBD for the residents of Mount Crosby, Karana Downs, Pullenvale, Pinjarra Hills, Bellbowrie, Anstead, Moggill and Brookfield.

"The road is at capacity. Motorists are frustrated and it is necessary to consider how best to address the situation," he said.

The Kenmore Bypass road corridor has been preserved by Main Roads since the late 1970s.

"During the next 12 months, Main Roads will consult with the local community to develop planning options, and from those a preferred option, that best caters to existing demand and future traffic growth," Mr Pitt said.

Community consultation for stage one of the Kenmore Bypass planning study will start next week. Interested residents, business owners, facility managers and representatives of local organisations are invited to nominate for the project's Community Reference Group.

Mr Pitt said no decision had been taken to build the bypass, and no funding for its construction had been approved. However, it was necessary for planning to move to the next stage so that a preferred option could be identified ahead of any decision to build the bypass.

"Obviously, by moving to this next stage of planning the preparations for a possible eventual bypass are being advanced, which some people in the community will welcome,'' he said.

"Obviously, too, people are already pushing the 'No Bypass' option, and the government is well aware of that sentiment in the community.

"Also, the study considered upgrading Moggill Road but did not favour this option on the basis of cost and other grounds.

"This week I met with the Kenmore Save Our Suburb group to hear their objections to the bypass. I have already met with the local member of State Parliament, Dr Bruce Flegg, to hear of the level of community support for the bypass.

"An actual decision to build or not build the bypass still lies ahead.

"This is precisely the kind of planning responsibility that the government is charged with, and the kind of planning issue that the government must address, or otherwise face legitimate community criticism.

"I am fully aware that there is strong community support for the bypass, just as there is strong opposition. "

Following consultation and technical studies, all options will be available for consideration by the public. The Kenmore Bypass planning study will involve a three-phase consultation process:
? Stage 1: Gather information - community and stakeholder feedback will be sought to help develop draft planning options.
? Stage 2: Develop planning options - a number of options will be presented to the community and feedback sought to determine a preferred option.
? Stage 3: Develop preferred option - a preferred option will be developed from community input and technical studies and presented for final comment.

The Kenmore Bypass feasibility study is occurring at the same time as Queensland Transport's Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation (WBTNI). The WBTNI investigation will be canvassing community views and input for long-term solutions to transport needs in western Brisbane. The Kenmore Bypass is a possible shorter-term solution to local traffic issues on Moggill Road.

For more details, visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au or call the enquiry line on 1800 422 638.

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