July 24, 2023
Toowoomba Regional Council is calling on the State Government to host community forums following the release of a map showing the proposed route for a new North-South Transport Corridor which would bypass the Toowoomba CBD.
The map (see below) shows a new road heading west off the New England Highway just north of Cambooya; the road then swings eastwards in an arc to rejoin the highway just south of Hampton.
It would cross the Warrego Highway west of Gowrie Junction Road and pass west of Highfields and Carbarlah.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has produced the proposal to address a predicted rise in traffic congestion through the Toowoomba town centre.
TMR also believes there is a need to connect future residential and employment growth areas and the demands of a growth in freight, however there is currently no funding allocated for construction.
Recently elected Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald said a series of community information sessions was vital for the community to be able to gather information about the project as well as provide feedback.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads needs to engage with affected landholders with a series of public information forums to provide a detailed explanation of the project prior to the feedback deadline,” Mayor McDonald said.
“This is vital to ensuring all views are considered as well as giving affected landholders information relevant to the project.”
Cr Carol Taylor said there had been some incorrect community assumptions about Council’s prior knowledge about the proposed alignment for the transport corridor.
“Council has only been provided with minimal detail on the current corridor that is now out for consultation,” Cr Taylor said.
Cr Melissa Taylor said now was the time for affected landholders to have their say.
“It is pleasing that State Government has extended the community consultation period until September 8 and I encourage the community to make their views known ASAP,” Cr Taylor said.
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