Community feedback helps drive Council's transport planning

Hundreds of community members across the Scenic Rim have shared their experiences of walking, cycling, the local road network and the region's transport connections as part of Council's consultation on the Integrated Transport Plan. 

Community feedback from the six-week community consultation which commenced on 22 July through the Let's Talk Scenic Rim online platform and face-to-face sessions is now being reviewed and collated. 

Scenic Rim's Transport Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Deputy Mayor Duncan McInnes thanked community members for sharing their views in Council's first comprehensive study of the region's transport needs. 

"With a focus on gaining a big picture of residents' experiences of our transport network, the information gathered will go towards developing the Draft Integrated Transport Plan," he said. 

"Feedback from the community considered issues such as connections between roads and footpaths, particular areas of concern for residents and suggestions about the need for new services or active transport options including walking and cycling. 

"With the Scenic Rim's population estimated to reach 67,000 by 2041, the region's transport networks, connections and mobility of our community are priority issues. 

"Feedback from the community will help to shape Council's response to the increasing demands placed on the local transport network and also inform strategic documents such as the Local Government Infrastructure Plan." 

As well as helping to identify the region's future infrastructure needs, the Integrated Transport Plan will take account of road safety, local road networks in key towns and villages, freight networks which are vital for industry and desired standards of service. 

During the Stage One community consultation, the Let's Talk Scenic Rim project page achieved 1036 visits resulting in 160 online survey responses, with 132 pins and associated comments being placed on an interactive map. 

Council presented a stakeholder workshop at Beaudesert and drop-in sessions at Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Tamborine Mountain and Harrisville where feedback was received from 79 community members. 

With the Stage One community consultation now concluded, Council will progress to Stage Two in which members of the community will be invited to have their say following completion of the draft plan. 

"The Integrated Transport Plan is being developed to ensure our region's transport networks and connections meet the unique needs of the Scenic Rim and are efficient, safe, reliable, accessible and sustainable," Cr McInnes said. 

"Let's Talk Scenic Rim will provide updates on Phase Two of the consultation and how members of the community can have their say on the draft plan."