How town at centre of Bruce bypass debate reacted to four-lane pledge

In a major shift, the Federal Government has responded to pressure to fund a four-lane bypass around Tiaro. This is what locals had to say.

(Top left) Brittany Robinson, manager of Retro Espresso Tiaro, (Top Right) Sioux Archery owner Graham Cash, (Bottom left) MP Llew O'Brien and Deputy PM Michael McCormack with a design for the Tiaro Bypass, (Bottom right) Bill Halliwell owner of the Royal Hotel Tiaro. Photos: Stuart Fast

Every day Brittany Robinson drives from Maryborough to Tiaro hoping she doesn’t become a statistic on the deadly stretch of highway.

On Wednesday, she welcomed the Federal Government’s $268 million commitment to a four-lane Tiaro Bypass.

Brittany Robinson, manager of Retro Espresso Tiaro. Photo: Stuart Fast

Ms Robinson said should the project go ahead, she expected the highway would be lot safer and reduce the number of crashes.

“It’s good to see something done about it, I hope it works out,” she said.

While Ms Robinson welcomed the announcement she wanted to see local input into the design of the bypass, saying locals understood their needs and the area the best.

The major announcement, made by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien in Tiaro on Wednesday was a welcome surprise around town.

Business owner Graham Cash of Sioux Archery said it was good to see federal funding making it into regional Australia.

Graham Cash of Sioux Archery in Tiaro. Photo: Stuart Fast

He said he had been working at his store in Tiaro for eight years and heard much talk about the bypass during his time in the town.

With today’s big announcement, Mr Cash said it good to see progress finally being made on the bypass.

“The sooner we see four lanes to Brisbane, the better. The bypass is a good thing,” he said.

Owner of the Royal Hotel Tiaro Bill Halliwell was pleased.

Owner of the Royal Hotel Tiaro Bill Halliwell. Photo: Stuart Fast

He said the bypass would make the town quieter and safer, removing trucks and freight passing through.

If the bypass is built as planned, he expected business in the town to drop initially but eventually recover.

The funding announcement follows a hard-fought campaign for the two-lane pledge to be reviewed in favour of four.