Meeting provides an avenue to discuss region's transport issues

The meeting between Scenic Rim Regional Council and representatives of the Department of Transport and Main Roads included (from left) Cr Michael Enright, Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell, TMR Director-General Neil Scales OBE, Mayor Greg Christensen, Cr Virginia West, Cr Amanda Hay and Cr Duncan McInnes.

Scenic Rim Regional Council has welcomed the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with key representatives of the Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

The meeting in Beaudesert last week between Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, Councillors and Transport and Main Roads representatives, including Director-General Neil Scales OBE, canvassed issues ranging from future transport needs to the management of current roadworks. 

Mayor Christensen said discussions focused on the transport needs of the Scenic Rim as a rapidly growing region and the opportunities presented by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

"With the Queensland Flatwater Centre at Wyaralong Dam being identified as the home of rowing and sprint canoeing for the Games, the Scenic Rim also has the potential to host teams for training in the lead-up to these events," he said. 

"Council is keen to work with TMR to work out how athletes and spectators will be transported to the site given the limited public transport options currently available in our region." 

Council's meeting with TMR also canvassed the possibility of the return of rail to Beaudesert and for increased bus services. 

Currently, public transport is limited to one route in the Scenic Rim and ongoing growth in the Scenic Rim's population and industry development will continue to drive demand for improved connectivity. 

"Inadequate road links are a key constraint to the activation of the Bromelton State Development Area," Mayor Christensen said. 

"Additionally, Council's planning of its region-wide road network requires an understanding of TMR's prioritisation for works and delivery timetables." 

Increased traffic from the burgeoning areas of Flagstone and Yarrabilba to the Gold Coast has placed increased pressure on the state-controlled Canungra Bypass, causing congestion and issues of safety and amenity for residents and road users. 

"Approved developments are likely to cause further congestion and it is essential to ensure this route provides unrestricted travel for both passenger and transport vehicles," Mayor Christensen said. 

With the Cunningham Highway a key connector for the Scenic Rim, the effective management of TMR's Cunninghams Gap Reconstruction Project is vital in mitigating the impacts of road closures on the region's agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors. 

"Council is grateful for TMR's commitment to widen community engagement on the progress of works to repair the extensive damage caused by the 2019 bushfires to this section of road," Mayor Christensen said. 

Council's meeting with TMR also considered the impacts of closures caused by flooding at Coulson Crossing on the Beaudesert-Boonah Road. 

"Boonah-Beaudesert Road is the major connector between the eastern and western areas of the Scenic Rim and major producers require regular access through this corridor," Mayor Christensen said. 

"Coulson Crossing is the weak link in this network as, on average, we see three closures a year due to flooding on this section." 

The discussions also revealed the challenges faced by Council and TMR in progressing key projects. 

"Council and TMR have both experienced issues with increasing costs of materials, a shortage of engineers and difficulties in sourcing contractors," Mayor Christensen said. 

"These are common challenges we all face and it's important we work together to find solutions."