Council
8 April, 2025
Highway fight goes on
ELIMBAH residents and neighbouring communities remain uneasy over the revised Stage 4 Bruce Highway Western Alternative proposal, even as compulsory resumptions drop from 140 to roughly 30.
Two town hall meetings drew dozens of residents, with calls growing for an extension to public consultation.
While acknowledging improvements, critics say the new 12.6km route, set to pass through the northwest corner of the Elimbah SEQ development area, remains “unacceptable.”
Following the release of the revised route, a working group and leadership team has been formed, led by impacted residents “with skin in the game.”
Residents are asking for an extension to the consultation period, which ends on April 30, requesting an additional four weeks, until the end of May 2025.
While fewer homes face resumption, residents remain uncertain about the route’s effect on farms and industry.
Some, receiving impact notices for a second time, question the LNP’s pre-election pledge to remove previous routes “in their entirety.”
Elimbah resident Nadine Hogg says she is devastated after receiving a letter from TMR for the second time in two weeks — despite earlier indications her property would be spared under a revised route.
“After Premier David Crisafulli promised both proposed routes would be scrapped, and after all the campaigning, petitions and lobbying, the current McDougall Road section remains the same as the original Option 1,” she said.
“That part of the route hasn’t changed — it’s now the only proposed option. Saying I’m ‘devastated’ is an understatement.”
Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said he was aware there were a small number of properties previously impacted, that have again received notification from TMR.
“This is not in line with our government’s commitment, and I am working to address that as a priority,” Mr Powell said.
“The benefits of the new alignment are promising - with a more environmentally responsible route, and far less rural residential properties impacted.
“However, I am aware it does not diminish the emotional weight and difficulty faced by impacted residents. I am here to help, and I encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to reach out to my office.”
A TMR spokesperson said property owners on the proposed alignment were being prioritised with engagement, with TMR having directly written to those community members, seeking to meet with them in relation to their property.
“TMR is planning ahead to ensure land is reserved to deliver this vital transport infrastructure when it is needed,” they said.
“TMR generally does not resume land needed for a project until construction is imminent, and no resumptions are required at this time.
“TMR encourages everyone to have their say.
“The consultation is designed to be accessible and inclusive to ensure a range of voices are heard and valued.”
For more information and to submit feedback, visit https://www.yoursayprojects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa/stage-4
