Phillip Thompson calls on Mark Bailey to meet with Black River Residents

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has called on the State Roads Minister Mark Bailey to meet Black River residents unhappy with the design of the Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade project

HERBERT MP Phillip Thompson has called on the State Roads Minister Mark Bailey to meet Black River residents unhappy with the design of the Townsville Northern Access Intersections Upgrade project.

The $107.65m project, 80 per cent funded by the federal government, but designed and constructed by the Queensland government, was intended to duplicate the Bruce Highway between Veales and Pope roads and upgrade safety at local intersections.

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The Black River community has been vocal in claiming the project will make crossing the highway more dangerous.

Mr Thompson said he hadn’t received a response to a letter he sent to the minister in November on behalf of the community.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey speaking during Estimates Hearings at Parliament House. Pics Tara Croser.

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition calling for an urgent pause on works.

“It’s a kick in the guts that a North Queensland community has made its opposition to the design of this project loud and clear, but the minister responsible won’t do them the courtesy of going and meeting with them,” Mr Thompson said.

“When I wrote to minister Bailey I had hoped for a quick response.

“Instead he has ignored correspondence and hasn’t even taken a quick trip down the road from his Cabinet meeting to listen to the people.

“The lack of consultation and communication has been a major source of anxiety for the Black River community and I would like to hope that the minister would take the opportunity to meet with them before he heads back to the southeast corner.”

The e-petition is available at https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=3440

Originally published as Phillip Thompson calls on Mark Bailey to meet with Black River Residents