Locals Turn Out In FOrce To Discuss Highway Upgrade

INCLEMENT weather and severe thunderstorm warnings did not stop hundreds of local residents from attending the Bruce Highway upgrade community forum that was held in Sippy Downs on Monday night.

The forum was hosted by local MP Jarrod Bleijie in conjunction with the Sippy Downs & District Community Association and Highway Action Group.

Mr Bleijie said that the turnout was an indication that the Government's consultation process was not sufficient, as many residents were either unsure of the plans or had questions they wanted answered.

"The major concern was closing access to Sippy Downs," Mr Bleijie said.

"This will force most of the local traffic from Sippy Downs out through the Dixon Road interchange, which already has congestion issues.

"A petition against closing access to Sippy Downs was also launched.

"Residents also raised objections to the closure of the off-ramps to Pignata Road and from Pignata Road to the Bruce Highway and the off-ramp exiting the Bruce Highway (from the north bound lane) to Frizzo Road.

"These closures will severely impact dozens of small businesses at Glenview, including two major tourist attractions - the Ettamogah Pub and Aussieworld.

"Emergency services access along the Bruce Highway was raised by the Queensland Ambulance Services personnel in attendance.

"Closing access points along the Bruce Highway could significantly hamper access to several communities and to major traffic accidents on the national highway.

"Residents also questioned the timing of distributing newsletters just prior to Christmas and the location of major public displays at the Kawana Shoppingworld, rather than at Sippy Downs, Palmview or Glenview.

"There are serious safety issues that this upgrade can resolve, however these need to be prioritised in the staging of any project to upgrade the Bruce Highway and the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges," Mr Bleijie said.

These include:

• The Cunning Road intersection with the Bruce Highway, which has had several accidents in recent times;
• The intersection of Sippy Creek Road and the Bruce Highway; and
• The length of the off-ramp and exit lane from Frizzo Road to the Bruce Highway (north bound).

"If the Government is serious about addressing safety concerns, then these three issues must be given top priority.

"Residents can sign the petition at my office or by signing the online petition at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petitions," Mr Bleijie said.

27/01/2012
Locals Turn Out In FOrce To Discuss Highway Upgrade

Permanent Link: Locals Turn Out In FOrce To Discuss Highway Upgrade
Publish Date: 27 Jan 12

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