COUNCIL’S ADVOCACY PLAN HAS BUY-IN FROM LOCAL BUSINESS

Scenic Rim Regional Council’s call for Queensland Government funding for a Canungra Town bypass has the buy-in of local businesses and the community.

The Canungra Town bypass is one of 10 key issues outlined in the Scenic Rim’s Ten Point Advocacy Plan for which Council is seeking support from political parties and local candidates in the lead-up to the October 2020 Queensland state election.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Council is calling for the Queensland Government to support the bypass, with a business case, design and preservation of the proposed road corridor by 2024 and construction by 2032.

“The rapid growth of the neighbouring Gold Coast, and the acceleration of the Bromelton State Development Area, means the east-west corridor which runs through Canungra is coming under increasing pressure,” he said.

“Increased heavy vehicle traffic in the Canungra township not only poses significant risks for pedestrians and motorists but also the amenity of the town centre for locals and visitors alike.

“The current east-west corridor is also inefficient for long-haul freight movements and the expansion of Canungra’s residential footprint, particularly in the absence of meaningful public transport, means this corridor is also under growing pressure from commuter traffic.”

Canungra Chamber of Commerce President Monique Morcus welcomed Council’s advocacy for the bypass to alleviate congestion in the town centre.

“The majority of our members have, for a long time, expressed concerns about the increasing traffic through the township, particularly heavy vehicles passing the primary school and cafes, at times making it impossible to hear a conversation,” she said.

“Some local residents have expressed concerns about the current traffic in town and advised that they no longer shop local because of it, which is having an impact on some of the businesses.

“We want to encourage visitors to Canungra by reducing the noise and congestion that we are currently experiencing and feel that people who wish to stop and enjoy everything Canungra has to offer will have time to do so, and have a much more pleasant experience, if the through traffic is bypassed.”

Cr Christensen said the future growth and prosperity of the Scenic Rim hinged on issues, such as the Canungra Town bypass, prioritised in Council’s advocacy plan.

"We are asking, through our advocacy plan, for Queensland Government to commit to 10 key priority areas to show Scenic Rim residents that they matter just as much as their urban neighbours,” he said.

“Eight of the 10 issues identified in the advocacy plan are major infrastructure projects that are desperately needed to meet the Scenic Rim’s forecast future growth.

"We need our local candidates and major political parties to support these issues that affect the lives of our residents and the future of local businesses.”

The Ten Point Plan is available on Council's website www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/our-council/administration/advocacy