December 4, 2023
The State Government has scrapped plans for most of the proposed Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor after extensive public opposition to the proposed route.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will now work with Toowoomba Regional Council to identify alternate transport solutions that maximise the use of existing road infrastructure to address Toowoomba’s future transport needs.
TMR received more than 4000 responses and submissions during the three-month community consultation phase.
The only section that will proceed is the small Charlton Bypass in the industrial area which proved to be uncontroversial after some refinements to reflect land use changes and community feedback in the area.
As part of the planning and consultation process, TMR engaged with Toowoomba Regional Council, elected representatives, industry, property owners along the proposed corridor, residents living just outside the corridor, First Nations representatives and the greater Toowoomba community.
“We are a government that listens to our community and we are extremely grateful to everyone that has provided us with feedback, detailed submissions or even just shared their story with us,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.
Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald said the sheer volume of community concern regarding the alignment showed a re-think of the corridor was needed.
“Council agrees that there is a growing need for an additional north-south road for the Toowoomba Region and remains committed to advocating for minimal disruption to residents, protection of environment and areas of cultural significance and mitigating impacts on the local road network while achieving the best possible outcome for the region,” Mayor McDonald said.
“With the amount of development and growth happening in and around Toowoomba, including the new hospital, there is a critical need for an alternative transport solution north-south through greater Toowoomba and it is critical the State Government invests in this much-needed planning now.
“Council also emphasises the importance of appropriate ongoing consultation with the community by DTMR to address concerns.”
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