By Marina Gomide
ELIMBAH’S proposed $2.6 billion “Infinity Planet” tourism city could see more than 35,000 vehicles moving to and from the 68-hectare site each day, a new report shows.
The tourism city is expected to attract nearly 2 million visitors annually, as tourists, holiday makers, shoppers and workers use the services including a theme park, five-star hotel and business park.
The project, announced last week by developer RHC CIty, has sparked lively community debate with the suburb set to be transformed from low-intensity rural to a business, tourism and residential hub halfway between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
According to an Integrated Traffic Assessment Report by RMA Engineers, the project is expected to generate 35,600 vehicle movements per day, with around 3,560 trips occurring during peak morning and afternoon hours.
“Traffic is forecast to distribute primarily via the Bruce Highway, with minimal reliance on the local road network,” the report said. The project also proposed to facilitate access to the park via increased public transport, including a bus route with the proposed Elimbah North rail station.
Shared pedestrian and cycle links would also extend from the park’s internal network to Bartholomew Road and adjacent State Forest areas, supporting multi-modal connectivity for staff and visitors.
A spokesperson for developer RHC City said they were proactively planning to address traffic and transport impacts.
“Infinity Planet will be Australia’s first integrated entertainment city, but it is a concept that is familiar in other parts of the world and the project’s proponents have experience dealing with these issues elsewhere,” they said.
“They are already working with the Council and State Government to ensure that issues of public transport access and traffic management are addressed well ahead of the opening.
“Infinity Planet has engaged some of Australia’s most experienced planners and consultants to help prepare for the additional traffic that will accompany the jobs and economic windfall the project will bring to the region”
Supporters said the project represents long-awaited investment and economic uplift, with some calling it “absolutely fantastic” and “a great project”, defending the ambitious vision.
“It’s hard when anyone with vision proposes something new. People are so quick to condemn. Noone wants any projects to get the go ahead,” Janet wrote.
Jennifer added she thought it would be “great for jobs growth and they will provide training programs as well.”
Opponents, however, called the project “ludicrous” and “ridiculous”, arguing the project threatens rural character, ignores zoning intentions, and continues a broader trend of urban encroachment.
“All of our rural communities are under fire from developers,” Tess wrote.
“Council should be supporting rate payers and zoning plans.”
Edith added Elimbah is becoming a city and “not home anymore”.
Others expressed scepticism about the project, which wouldn’t be the first of its kind in the Sunshine Coast/Moreton Bay region to be approved, but never delivered.