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