Residents propose changes for BHWA as consultation ends
By Sonia Isaacs
ELIMBAH and Moodlu community leaders are continuing to call for the immediate scrapping of the new proposed Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) Stage 4 alignment, as community consultation period draws to a close next week.
Community members allege the planning process has been rushed, with flood-prone farmland, sensitive flora and fauna, and excessive road intersections flagged as unexamined risks.
The new proposed route runs further west of Elimbah and aims 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.
Residents are instead urging greater use of state-owned land, including minimal-impact areas of the Beerburrum State Forest, arguing this would reduce resumption of viable farms and homes.
Elimbah local, Kim Litchfield, speaking on behalf of concerned residents, said the new route, announced on March 19, is breaking the LNP’s election promise.
“Scrapped means scrapped,” she said.
“Approximately 25 per cent of this ‘new’ route is unchanged and still cuts through the same properties.”
Concerns stem from multiple statements by LNP leadership during and after the 2024 state election campaign.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, promised in an open letter on April 5 2024 that if elected, the LNP would scrap the routes proposed by the former Labor Government.
Residents argue the new route, which traverses McDougall Road, closely mirrors previous, widely rejected alignments.
Ms Litchfield added the community is not against the concept of a long-term highway alternative, but said the current proposal “unnecessarily places the highway within the urban footprint,” contradicting both community feedback and prior ministerial assurances.
A TMR (Transport and Main Roads) consultation summary about the previous route confirmed more than 60 per cent of submissions raised concerns about property impacts, while 40 per cent advocated for a western alignment avoiding residential areas.
Critics say this advice has been ignored.
“TMR has not got the balance right,” Ms Litchfield said.
“This route lacks social licence.
“It must be scrapped, and a genuine alternative developed that delivers the project without destroying our community.”
The current consultation period ends Wednesday May 14.
www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa/stage-4
TMR have been approached for comment.
