I refer to your recent electronic mail message to the Minister concerning
the East-West Connector Road in Mackay.
The Department of Main Roads has carried out extensive studies to determine
the best solution for traffic problems in North Mackay. A comprehensive
analysis of alternative routes has been undertaken and the decision has been
made to adopt the East-West Connector Road as it is the most appropriate and
viable solution.
The East-West Connector Road will offer significant economic, traffic and
safety benefits for Mackay by:
* removing heavy traffic from suburban streets, thereby making the
streets safer for commuter traffic, pedestrians and cyclists;
* enhancing pedestrian, cyclist, parking and shopping environments;
* reducing the flooding risks currently threatening North Mackay
residents;
* improving accessibility to businesses in North Mackay;
* redirecting heavy vehicles carrying dangerous goods away from
Malcomson Street;
* helping to boost economies and additional jobs to the port-related
industries; and
* reducing the travelling time for both heavy vehicles and commuters.
Furthermore, Main Roads has minimised all environmental impacts by:
* meeting all government agency requirements and environmental permits
and approvals;
* providing funding for the development of an independent
environmental management plan to help rehabilitate the Bassett Basin Fish
Habitat Area;
* providing a physical barrier to safeguard against further
encroachment to the mangrove environment by development;
* ensuring minimal excavation and preventing the exposure of acid
sulphate soil; and
* awarding funding to the Central Queensland University to carry out
monitoring on the marine environment before, during and after construction.
When considering all the alternatives, the multi-modal corridor section
between Glenpark Street and the Harbour was investigated. This alternative
would have meant longer travel times for motorists and would not have
relieved congestion problems on Malcomson Street. The multi-modal
alternative would redirect heavy vehicle transport and the transportation of
dangerous goods along Glenpark Street through residential and school areas.
The multi-modal option also would have required a separate levee system to
the be built by the Pioneer River Improvement Trust to help protect North
Mackay from flooding. This levee system would need to be built in the
mangrove system. The cost of building a multi-modal corridor between
Glenpark Street and Harbour Road is similar to the cost of the East-West
Connector Road and would also involve the loss of mangroves.
The East-West Connector Road is a very worthwhile project that will bring
considerable social and economic benefits to the Mackay community. As a
result of detailed planning being undertaken, Main Roads has obtained all
the necessary approvals and clearances to proceed with the project.
However, the Honourable S D Bredhauer MLA, Minister for Transport and
Minister for Main Roads, announced on 7 February 2000 that he would wait for
the outcome of an appeal to the Fisheries Tribunal before starting
construction on the East-West Connector route. In doing so, he is expecting
all parties opposed to the project to give the same undertaking.
If the project proceeds, please be assured that stringent environmental
standards will be upheld during all phases of this project.
Yours sincerely
ANDREW WATSON
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Main Roads
To unsubscribe from this list, please send a message to
Include ONLY "unsubscribe birding-aus"
in the message body (without the quotes)
|
