Ministerial Statement: Consultation on proposed Kenmore Bypass ....

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Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
14/07/2008

Consultation on proposed Kenmore Bypass elicits strong responses

A solution to improve existing traffic congestion on Moggill Road was the biggest issue raised during stage one of the Kenmore Bypass consultation.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said more than 3000 formal submissions on the planning study were received during the community consultation period from 21 April to 16 June 2008.

"We received an overwhelming response from the community about the potential Kenmore Bypass," Mr Pitt said.

"Regardless of whether people support or oppose the bypass, the one thing they did agree on that congestion on Moggill Road is a big concern and something needs to be done."

Other significant topics raised by the community included the design impacts along with the social and environmental impacts of a potential bypass, as well as the need for increased public transport in the area.

"Property resumption was highlighted as a major concern and Main Roads will continue to meet with potentially affected property o wners on an ongoing basis throughout the life of the study," Mr Pitt said.

Traffic issues on the Centenary Motorway and the prevalence of rat running on local streets also featured predominantly in the feedback.

Mr Pitt said the community feedback showed strong support for the potential Kenmore Bypass, while others were just as strongly opposed to it.

"People in favour of the Kenmore Bypass generally nominated their main reason as the congestion on Moggill Road during peak times and the potential for a bypass to help reduce this.

"There were also comments suggesting that if the Kenmore Bypass was to be built, there should be increased public transport along Moggill Road and cycle and pedestrian access along the bypass."

Mr Pitt said there was also considerable opposition to the bypass, including suggestions of alternative solutions.

"Many submissions against the bypass did not provide Main Roads with a reason for their objectio n. However, those that did indicated they would like alternative options investigated," he said.

"Options including increased public transport opportunities in the western suburbs and a bridge at Bellbowrie were raised as possible alternative treatments."

"Some of the alternatives suggested are outside the scope of the Kenmore Bypass Planning Study, but that feedback is appreciated and has been passed it on to Queensland Transport for consideration in their strategic planning for the future western Brisbane transport network."

Stage one of the planning study aimed to gather community feedback on concerns and opportunities to help develop draft planning options for the Kenmore Bypass.

"I would like to thank the community for its involvement in the study to date," Mr Pitt said.

"The project team will now use the feedback received to help refine the draft planning options for the bypass and these will be presented to the community in Stag e 2 of the study for comment, hopefully before the end of the year.

"Main Roads is continuing to consult with the community to ensure the preferred option developed for the Kenmore Bypass considers the needs of the local community."

In developing the planning options, Main Roads will use feedback to design technical solutions that will help minimise noise, pollution and environmental impacts of a potential Kenmore Bypass.

For enquiries regarding the Kenmore Bypass Planning Study, community members can contact the project team by calling1800 422 638 or email kenmorebypass@mainroads.qld.gov.au

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