The Queensland Government has unveiled a revised route for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA), connecting the D’Aguilar Highway at Moodlu to Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum.
The announcement follows community opposition to earlier proposals that residents of Caboolture, Moodlu, Wamuran, Elimbah and Beerburrum said would have significantly impacted their communities. The new route, released by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), is now open for further consultation.
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the revised alignment aims to minimise disruption to residents and the environment.
“TMR has looked to use state and council-owned land where possible, reducing the impact on rural residential properties,” he said. “This approach represents a more environmentally responsible solution.”
Consultations with affected landowners are underway, with TMR offering support services for those impacted.
“For landowners affected by the new route, I am available to assist, and I encourage them to have their say,” Mr Powell said. “A counselling service has been established for anyone needing support, and public information sessions will provide further details on potential impacts.”
Community consultation will continue until 30 April 2025, with public sessions scheduled at:
- 29 March at Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall (10am – 1pm);
- 1 April at Wamuran Sport Complex Hall (2:45pm – 6:30pm);
- 4 April at Beerburrum Community Hall (10am – 1pm).
The BHWA is part of a long-term transport strategy to alleviate congestion on the Bruce Highway and accommodate the rapid population growth in South East Queensland. The Moreton Motorway, once complete, will span over 50 kilometres from Beerburrum to Bald Hills.
“The region’s future depends on forward-thinking infrastructure that allows locals to move easily without competing for space on the Bruce Highway,” Mr Powell said. “While the highway will eventually be needed, we must also respect impacted residents.”
Queensland’s population is expected to grow by 2.2 million over the next 25 years, with Moreton Bay alone projected to add more than 308,300 residents. The South East Queensland Regional Plan (ShapingSEQ 2023) has identified Elimbah as a major expansion area, highlighting the need for a new transport corridor separate from the Bruce Highway.
The BHWA is being developed in four stages. Planning for Stages 1 and 2 (Moodlu to Narangba) has been completed, with 22 kilometres of corridor already protected. Early consultation is also underway for Stage 3 (Narangba to Bald Hills), with further progress dependent on the finalisation of Stage 4.
TMR has stressed that construction is not imminent. The current process is focused on determining the corridor’s alignment, with landowners given time to assess their options.
Residents can provide feedback on Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative via the TMR website or by calling 1800 955 799.