KENMORE BYPASS ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL REPORT RELEASED
Monday, 22 June 2009 10:39
Public Comment extended to July 6, 2009
Kenmore Bypass Study has released their draft Environmental Approval Report.
In summary the report found after considering the areas of water, hydrology, fauna, flora, geology and soil, noise, air quality, land use and planning, socio-economic assessment, landscape and visual amenity, cultural heritage and climate change impact found no absolute impediment to the construction of the Bypass.
It did find a number of areas that required further investigation before any final decision was made.
Of particular importance is the fact that following representations from myself and many residents in their submissions the study group have taken on board concern that the closure of Gem Road would have an unacceptable adverse impact on a number of local residents. They have indicated that they will go back and look at alternatives to the closure of Gem Road. I am pleased that they have reviewed this decision as I don’t think the closure of Gem Road is the best outcome.
I want to emphasise that this IS NOT yet a recommendation either for or against on the part of the study group. There is no commitment at this stage to build the project but the assessment of the study is progressing towards the point where a recommendation might be made. Of course getting Government funding should a recommendation be made to build it in this environment may also prove to be problematic. You can assess the full text of the EAR by visiting http://www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/web/publicCR.nsf/DOCINDEX/Kenmore+Bypass+Planning+Study Public comment has been extended to July 6 2009. This is unacceptably short and I have requested that it be kept open longer for comment. Local residents deserve every opportunity to comment on the ERS