Ministerial Statement: Government working to deliver balanced transport solution

[ozbob]

Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
16/09/2009

Government working to deliver balanced transport solutions for Cairns

Planning is moving forward on the Cairns Transit Network and concept planning for the future upgrade of the southern approach to Cairns, to cater for the future transport needs of Cairns.

The former Queensland Transport and the former Department of Main Roads have merged to become one department, the Department of Transport and Main Roads. As a result, future community engagement phases for both the Cairns Transit Network and concept planning for the future upgrade of the southern approach to Cairns projects will be delivered together.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace and Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the joint communication and consultation activities would enable the new department to respond quickly and effectively to queries, and provide a one-stop shop for information.

"By planning the projects together, the Queensland Government will be able to provide a truly integrated transport solution for Cairns," Mr Wallace said. "Cairns is the second fastest growing local government area in Queensland so we need to plan now while we can."

Ms Nolan said she fully supported the joint approach.

"We want as much community involvement in these projects as possible to help us plan the best transport solution for Cairns," Ms Nolan said. "This is why we will be distributing a joint project update newsletter to every household between Palm Cove and Gordonvale during September 2009.

"The newsletter will provide people with useful information about the Cairns Transit Network and concept planning for the future upgrade of the southern approach to Cairns by highlighting the feedback received during the first phase of consultation and why we need a balanced transport solution for Cairns."

Mr Wallace said the upgrade of the southern approach to Cairns project between Sheehy Road and Ray Jones Drive was a $150 million Australian Government funded initiative being delivered by the Bligh Government.

T he first step for the upgrade project, which involves concept planning, is progressing well," he said.

"The concept planning study is being undertaken to set the framework for the upgrade including examining the infrastructure required on the Bruce Highway from Wrights Creek, south of Edmonton, through to Draper Street, near the Cairns city centre, to ensure that the future multi-modal corridor needs of this transport corridor are fully considered.

"The concept planning work for the future upgrade of the southern approach to Cairns is part of the Australian Government's $23 million commitment to tackle urban congestion. The planning outcomes from the study will be used to design the upcoming $150 million upgrade.

Ms Nolan said this planning for the Bruce Highway together with the Cairns Transit Network project would identify long-term solutions to keep Cairns moving forward by providing more convenient and safe travel options for the city's rapidly gro wing population.

"The Cairns Transit Network is a Queensland Government project to identify and protect dedicated public transport corridors that will connect the length and breadth of Cairns, from Palm Cove to Gordonvale and the neighbourhoods in-between," she said.

"Draft design options for the Bruce Highway and Cairns Transit Network will be on display to receive feedback from the public in late 2009. The community's involvement and valuable contribution to these projects will ensure the designs meet the needs of existing and future residents and visitors.

"We want to get this planning right, so we are working hard to have these draft plans available for public comment late 2009."

To find out more:
phone 1800 184 317 * freecall Australia wide except from mobiles.
email the project team on transportplanningcairns@transportandmainroads.qld.gov.au visit www.transportandmainroads.qld.gov.au (search for Cairns Transit Network or Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade project)

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[SteelPan]

Let's just hope noone loses their pants in the effort to achieve this...