Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports eenstant toenmn Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Level 15 capital Buling 85 Googe Sect Brisbane 4000 ‘GPO Box 2644 Brisbane ‘Queersiend 4001 Ausatia 23 JAN 2017 Telephone +6: 7 3749 7300 Facsimile +61 7204 2693 : Ema maincoads@minsteal qd goa Ms Debye O'Reilly Website vw tne ezova Secretary Bellvista and Bells Reach Community Association secretary@bellvista.com.au (Our ref: Mc92990 Dear Ms O'Reilly Thank you for your email of 19 October 2016 to the Honourable Mark Bailey MP about traffic issues in the Caloundra area. The Minister appreciates the time you have taken to provide a ‘summary of the traffic forum held on 18 October 2016 in Caloundra. The Minister has asked that | respond on his behalf. note comments in your summary that the Bellvista and Bells Reach Community Association (BeCA) is seeking the commencement of an east-west link road. I'd like to clarify that the department has been actively planning for the proposed east-west link road. This forms a part of the Department of Transport and Main Roads' (the department) strategy to accommodate long-term traffic growth in the Caloundra region. The road standard and connection points to the adjacent network have been established, and are included in the department's planning scenarios. | would like to reassure you that land has been allocated for the western portion of a future east-west link road under the Caloundra South infrastructure agreement, an important first step in the project's future. Funding to progress planning for the East-West Arterial Road, connecting Belivista and Pelican Waters Boulevards, will be considered in future program reviews, alongside other competing priorities. That state-wide competition has unfortunately become more challenging as a consequence of the previous LNP government cutting more than $600 milion from transport funding during its term, and wasting more than $30 million of my department's budget preparing for asset sales and contestabilty — funding which could have gone a long way if invested in road infrastructure. In the meantime, several other transport projects are progressing to address future transport needs. As you would have heard at the forum, the department is investigating solutions to meet future capacity needs for the Nicklin Way and Caloundra Road intersection, including extending Arthur Street to a new intersection with Nicklin Way. These investigations are nearing completion, Funding to progress the project will be prioritised against competing projects across the state. Importantly, the department has been working with the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) to ensure planning options align with SCC's vision for the area, as identified in its Draft Caloundra Centre Master Plan.As you have noted in your summary, construction on the first stage of Bells Creek Arterial Road is progressing well and is expected to be completed in early 2017. Construction of this, road is part of development conditions related to the Caloundra South priority development area. As discussed in BeCA’s previous meeting with Minister Bailey on 31 March 2016, the new road will also provide an alternative access to Bellvista and Bells Reach estates. The department stated at the forum that allocation of planning funds is being considered for an options analysis of the Caloundra Road roundabout intersection with the new Bells Creek Arterial Road. Itis proposed that the options analysis would commence in the 2017-18 financial year, with a view to preserving a corridor for a future upgrade project. Notes from the BeCA traffic forum state ‘there was strong feeling’ that the Bells Creek Arterial Road through to the Bruce Highway was a priority, however, neither Stockland or the department suggested this is a priority, | am advised the department modelling that indicated early completion of the Bells Creek Arterial Road by 2026 would not provide significant benefit to traffic flow on Caloundra Road or on the Bruce Highway. | also note your concerns regarding planning work for the future east-west arterial connection being delayed to facilitate environmental approvals. The department considers environmental management to be one of its highest priorities. Environmental assessments will be carried out during the planning and design of any future road, and appropriate environmental controls will also be applied during construction of all future projects. The timelines for these environmental approvals will be developed when the project is further advanced, However, the department will work closely with appropriate agencies to ensure all environmental obligations are met The department will continue to identify transport infrastructure projects for growth areas of the Sunshine Coast to improve capacity and safety, trust this information is of assistance. Yours sincerely TAIL DENISE SPINKS CHIEF OF STAFF