News
25 March, 2025
Bittersweet Bruce
OVER 100 homes have been spared resumption after the LNP unveiled a revised alignment for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA).
Only 30 homes are now expected to be resumed instead of the 140 properties affected by the route proposed by the former Labor government in late 2023.
That proposal ignited widespread protests and became a pivotal election issue in communities around Caboolture and Elimbah.
The new options run further west of Elimbah and aim to connect the D’Aguilar Highway at Moodlu to Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum, mostly traversing rural land.
The updated route passes through the north-west corner of the Elimbah SEQ development area before heading east, utilising state-owned forestry land in its northern section.
More than 850 community submissions were received and a parliamentary petition was signed by nearly 11,000 residents opposed to the original Labor proposal.
Glass House MP Andrew Powell acknowledged that while the previous route would have severely impacted local communities, the new plan is a “bittersweet” outcome, with roughly 30 properties still directly affected.
“I’ve always said we need the Bruce Highway Western Alternative,” he said.
“We can’t keep adding lanes to the Bruce Highway itself – we’d merely be enlarging a car park. Corridor protection is essential, and that means resumptions.
“As I requested, Transport and Main Roads returned to the drawing board, prioritising state and council-owned land wherever possible.
“They have worked hard to minimise the impact on rural residential properties and, I believe, delivered a far more environmentally responsible solution.”
Mr Powell said TMR is now liaising directly with affected landowners.
One of the lead opponents of the original route, Jason Smith, described the announcement of the new routes as “a day of mixed emotions.”
“I am relieved that the number of affected properties has been significantly reduced,” Mr Smith said.
However, he acknowledged the emotional toll on residents receiving impact notices for a second time.
“For those receiving letters again, our hearts go out to you. You are not alone. The community understands what you are going through,” he said.
Mr Smith criticised the original consultation process as lacking transparency, labelling it “more of a bullying exercise than authentic consultation.”
“TMR’s publication of a planning summary—previously unavailable—shows our advocacy for clearer communication and transparency has made a difference,” he said.
The new proposed 12.6-kilometre route is designed to accommodate a forecast population growth of 2.2 million people over the next 25 years, including more than 308,300 extra residents in the City of Moreton Bay.
It also avoids Mount Elimbah and Mount Miketeebumulgrai while minimising disruption to vegetation and waterways.
Measures will also be in place to protect natural and cultural heritage sites.
TMR has indicated construction is unlikely to begin for over a decade, pending government funding.
Community feedback on the new route remains open until 30 April 2025, with several public information sessions scheduled in the coming weeks.
For more information and to submit feedback, visit https://www.yoursayprojects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa/stage-4.
