Independent Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP, has reiterated her stance that the State Government must commit to fund detailed designs for the next stages of the Tewantin Bypass as a matter of urgency.
“With Stage 1 completed in 2022, the Cooroy Noosa/ Beckmans Road Roundabout, the Minister needs to fast track detailed design on the next stages. This is essential so that construction is completed by 2028 before the population projections in our community and to the south are realised, as well to manage incoming visitations in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Ms Bolton said.
She said it is unacceptable that there has not been a response to her request last month from the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Bart Mellish MP.
“That Queensland commits to projects including extra housing in our region without funding the necessary infrastructure to manage extra populations is a recipe for more congestion, more delays and more frustration. It is also poor planning, and I will not support any of the intentions of the regional plan, ‘ShapingSEQ 2023’, for Noosa without written commitments that the full Tewantin Bypass will be completed in the next term,” Ms Bolton said.
During the 2024 Estimate Hearings, Sandy also pressed the TMR Minister on the Bypass and regarding the much-needed pedestrian crossing for Factory Street, Pomona.
“These are needed now, regardless as to whether Noosa Council or TMR are at fault for the delay. This is not about blame, it is about both levels of government doing their job,” Ms Bolton said.
As soon as Ms Bolton had secured State funding for Stage 1, she immediately began advocacy for the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass, which includes the roundabout at the Eumundi Road intersection.
“Regardless that more progress on the Tewantin Bypass has been made since Noosa chose to be ‘independent’, we need it completed with a timeline,” she said.
“Noosa deserves better than a party line, or candidates saying they will hold the Government to account. From both sides I am after a firm funding commitment right now, not based on any ‘if’s.”
