Coomera Connector to go through Eagleby Wetlands despite review

The state Transport Department will move ahead with unpopular plans to build the next stage of the so-called second M1 through significant wetlands south of Brisbane.

The state Transport Department will plough ahead with unpopular plans to build the next stage of the Coomera Connector, dubbed the second M1, through significant wetlands south of Brisbane.

South Coast Transport and Main Roads Department deputy regional director Andrew Wheeler told Eagleby residents the Coomera Connector would be built through the Eagleby Wetlands in line with plans already approved and mapped.

State engineer Bob Higgins said the route would not change despite a petition signed by 2170 people and a pledge by State Transport Minister Mark Bailey to review building the road through the wetlands until after a technical assessment into the six-lane highway.

The state government is expected to formally release details of the Eagleby stretch of the highway today.

Eagleby’s Marilyn Goodwin with Transport Minister Mark Bailey, inspecting the Eagleby Wetlands where the Coomera Connector is now destined to plough through.

Baffled residents were also told on Thursday there would be further community consultation, despite the bureaucrats’ claims the decision on the route was already made.

Eagleby Community and Wetlands Group Marilyn Goodwin said residents were disappointed the state had not listened to them and would proceed with the road that will encircle Eagleby and connect to the Logan Motorway.

Residents had put forward a detailed plan for an alternative route which Mr Bailey said he would consider.

Eagleby’s Marilyn Goodwin

“We are told that the Transport Department will hold another round of community consultations but is there any point when the government has already decided the outcome?” Ms Goodwin said.

COOMERA CONNECTOR LAND RESUMPTIONS

MP CALLS ON STATE TO REVIEW ROUTE THROUGH EAGLEBY

CABINET WITHHOLDS SECRET COOMERA CONNECTOR DOCUMENTS

MP SLAMS GOVERNMENT OVER COOMERA CONNECTOR

MAPS SHOW CONNECTOR THROUGH DAISY HILL

TOLL RULED OUT ON SECOND M1

“Our research has clearly demonstrated the value and environmental importance of the complex Eagleby Wetland and the surrounding flood plain which helps mitigate flooding upstream to Beenleigh, Waterford and Holmview.

The red line shows the Coomera Connector route through the Eagleby Wetlands.

“The wetlands has also shown the opportunities in this area for eco-tourism such as river activities, bird watching and glamping with all of the job creation necessary to support those industries.

“If the state government won’t listen, then we’ll have to keep working towards a federal outcome.”

The Federal Government has responsibility for the Environmental and Protection of Biodiversity Act, which covers properties of environmental significance and those offering shelter to migratory birds.