Katter urges to strike now for new route
LAND for a second southern access to Cairns could be bought for next to nothing to avoid more traffic chaos on the Bruce Hwy, according to one Far Northern MP.
Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, whose electorate in- cludes Edmonton, said the need for a new route was underlined after a homemade bomb discovered on the side of the highway caused major traffic jams on Wednesday.
“We only have one corridor joining Cairns to the rest of the world south of us,” he said.
“There arguably is a second road, but if you can find it you are a better man than I am.
“We have been pushing for ages and desperately need the second southern corridor.”
The Katter’s Australian Party leader said land on the eastern side of the existing highway could be developed at little cost, but it needed to be mapped out as soon as possible.
He said city officials had been reluctant to do so.
“At the present time there are some cane fields on one side and swampy country on the other,” he said.
“It would cost nothing to get that land now but subdivisions will go in there, as sure as the sun rises.
“And when they do, the option will be cut off.” Mr Katter said his party was determined to resume land for the new entrance.
“Delays along the Bruce Hwy disrupt tourism and local business on a massive scale. This is just the latest example,” he said.
“This is among one of our highest priorities.” Cairns needs another main road in and out of the city today was utterly ridiculous.
Jenelle Reghenzani
Children were actually stranded in Daycare centres till 8.30pm. Think about the anxiety these and other children had waiting for parents.
Sharmain Fa’Aoso
I think the police have some explaining to do taking seven hours to deal with a bomb. What do they have all these practices for terrorist incidents for if it takes them seven hours to decide whether to explode a bomb or not.
Vicki De Laine
Massive thanks to everyone involved in getting this sorted safely, doesn’t happen at all often but I’m glad that it was handled properly and with care.
Steph Sawyer
Thank the lucky stars the person who found it called it in otherwise there very well could be a different news story today. Seven hours is nothing compared to many lives saved.
Kameron Kylie Anne Lewis
One traffic jam caused by one idiot. They’re in the middle of upgrading it now, finish that before you get carried away with grand plans.
Mark Lawton
Need a dob in a bomb maker program like they do for dob in a drug dealer. What is the world coming to?
Kathleen Middleton
Thank you QPS for keeping us safe. I appreciate each and every single one of you.
Ebony-lee Mitchell
So many people have bitched and complained because of this. Just be thankful you are safe and didn’t become a victim and that everyone didn't get hurt. Kiandra Stringer