With the state election looming, a local MP is calling on the Queensland Government to commit to detailed designs for the next stages of a long-awaited bypass.
A total of $1.4 million has been allocated over the next three years to progress works to provide relief from traffic congestion in the Tewantin area, but that would appear to fall short of the money needed for detailed planning for the rest of the bypass, let alone construction.
Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the Tewantin Bypass needed to be finished within the next term of government to cope with growth, and threatened not to support the state government’s intentions for growth in Noosa without it.
“With stage one completed in 2022, the Cooroy-Noosa Road/Beckmans Road roundabout, the (Transport and Main Roads) Minister needs to fast-track detailed design on the next stages,” Ms Bolton said.
“This is essential so that construction is completed by 2028 before the population projections in our community and to the south are realised, as well to manage incoming visitations in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Ms Bolton said she requested the commitment from Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish last month but had received no response.
“That Queensland commits to projects including extra housing in our region without funding the necessary infrastructure to manage extra populations is a recipe for more congestion, more delays and more frustration,” she said.
“It is also poor planning and I will not support any of the intentions of the regional plan, ShapingSEQ 2023, for Noosa without written commitments that the full Tewantin Bypass will be completed in the next term.”
Ms Bolton pressed Mr Mellish on the bypass, and a pedestrian crossing for Factory Street, Pomona, during recent estimate hearings.
“These are needed now, regardless as to whether Noosa Council or TMR are at fault for the delay. This is not about blame, it is about both levels of government doing their job,” Ms Bolton said.
TMR’s website says the next stage of the project will develop a preliminary planning option that builds on previous studies to find the best way to improve efficiency, safety and reliability for all road users.
“There is currently no funding to progress future stages beyond the planning stage. Timeframes for detailed planning, detailed design and construction of the project are not known at this time and are dependent on future funding commitments and competing statewide priorities,” it says.
A TMR spokesperson said $1.4 million had been allocated in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program for this financial year, 2025-26 and 2027-28 to progress planning for a long-term solution to increase capacity and safety, and ease congestion between Cooroy-Noosa Road and Eumundi-Noosa Road.
“This preliminary planning will investigate options for the upgrade. As such, and until a preferred option has been identified, it is too early to confirm the scope for the next stage of the Tewantin Bypass or develop a robust cost estimate,” the spokesperson said.
“The Tewantin Bypass is the final of several investments that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the local road network, following transfer of certain parts of state-controlled roads to Noosa Shire Council stewardship.
“Previous projects include Eenie Creek Road and Walter Hay Drive, in addition to the new roundabout at the Cooroy-Noosa Road intersection, which is stage one of the Tewantin Bypass.”
The spokesperson said the community would be kept updated on the project.
Ms Bolton said she had been advocating for the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass, including the roundabout at the Eumundi-Noosa Road intersection, since funding for the first stage was secured.
“Regardless that more progress on the Tewantin Bypass has been made since Noosa chose to be ‘independent’, we need it completed with a timeline,” she said.
“Noosa deserves better than a party line, or candidates saying they will hold the government to account.
“From both sides I am after a firm funding commitment right now, not based on any ‘ifs’.”
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