Bypass plans forge ahead
THE Department of Transport and Main Roads has given its clearest indication yet that it is forging ahead with controversial plans for the Ingham bypass.
Many Hinchinbrook locals fear the bypass of the provincial North Queensland town would be a death knell for businesses that rely on trade generated by Bruce Highway traffic.
In a statement, TMR said it had committed $48m to prepare a business case for the
Cardwell Range Deviation plan and preserve corridor project.
The money from the Australian and Queensland governments is separate from $40m in federal funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway at the flood-prone Gairloch floodway north of Ingham.
“Later this year, we will begin crucial planning and consultation on possible upgrades on the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Cardwell,” a Transport and Main Roads spokesman said.
“The upcoming planning project will update the findings from a previous planning study, undertake further technical investigations to inform detailed planning and potentially acquire the identified corridor.”
Hinchinbrook businesses, as well as businesses in Halifax and the coastal towns of Forrest Beach, Taylors Beach and Lucinda, are expected to take a financial hit of between $1.2m and $6m per annum should the bypass west of Ingham proceed.
TMR said it would be important for both regional and local stakeholders “to provide their perspectives on the nature and extent of the problems associated with the Bruce Highway in this area”.
“We will start regional engagement early next year,” the TMR spokesman said.
He said no funding had been committed for detailed design and works on the deviation, “however funding could be sought following completion of the business case”.
“As with any upgrade on
the national network, we will need to work closely with the Australian government to secure joint funding for detailed design and works,” he said.
The bypass “road invest
ment” is part of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program.
TMR said planning to improve flood immunity at Gairloch would begin soon.