Coomera Connector toll ‘ruled out’ despite plans on Transurban maps

There will be no toll on the northern section of the Coomera Connector, despite the state’s largest toll road operator listing it on planning maps.

The February 2021 Transurban map showing the Coomera Connector listed as a potential future road project and marked in orange.

There will be no toll on the northern section of the Coomera Connector, after the state government ruled out the revenue-raising strategy for the proposed six-lane stretch of highway.

Queensland Transport said it had no plans to make motorists pay for using the section, despite the state’s leading road toll company publishing documents in February listing the road as a potential future project.

A map in Transurban’s 2021 half Yearly Report published last month, shows the proposal under the heading “Near-term asset enhancement opportunities”.

The Transurban map from February showing the Coomera Connector listed as a potential future road project despite the state and the road toll company saying a toll was off the agenda.

But the tollway company said it was no longer considering the Coomera Connector, even after earmarking the northern section as a potential future opportunity as recently as last month.

A Transurban spokesman said the 2018 map was outdated and those plans had been superseded.

OTHER COOMERA CONNECTOR STORIES

COOMERA CONNECTOR LAND RESUMPTIONS

RESIDENTS SUGGEST ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

COOMERA CONNECTOR RE-ROUTE

CABINET WITHHOLDS SECRET COOMERA CONNECTOR DOCUMENTS

MP SLAMS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

“Transurban is not involved in the Coomera Connector project at all,” the spokesman said.

“Just because we had an investor pack and a map, does not necessarily mean that there is a deal being negotiated nor does it stipulate a potential toll road or a transit project.

“We never say never on anything and we are always looking at opportunities in Brisbane, of course, but we have no plans — or for the Park Ridge Connector.

“Neither of those projects are on our radar at the moment.”

The map, and others printed in Transurban investor documents dating back to 2018, sparked fears of the fee among Eagleby residents, who have campaigned against the road ploughing through their suburb for three years.

Eagleby Community and Wetlands Group president Marilyn Goodwin said the group had struggled to get a straight answer about a prospective toll residents.

Eagleby activist Marilyn Goodwin says residents remained sceptical over the claims there would be no toll on the Coomera Connector northern section.

She said residents remained sceptical and were still waiting for details of six alternative routes to be made public including one the residents put up which would cut costs and the number of bridges needed.

“We have been told many times there will not be a tollway,” she said.

“The Transurban document is written from the point of view of a company furthering its own interests with governments.

“It does not further the interests of residents of Eagleby as we have been arguing for almost two years now.

“We want a definitive answer. Is it yes or is it no? Will there be a tollway?

“As yet, we have not received the promised Alternate Routes for consultation promised by Minister Mark Bailey prior to the 2020 election.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed highway.

Macalister MP Melissa McMahon told a public meeting in Beenleigh last month she did not think the approved road was in the right place and would prefer an alternative route.

Logan mayor Darren Power yesterday backed a proposal to move the approved route further east so it did not interfere with the Eagleby Wetlands.

A Transport Department spokesman said the southern stage was already funded and on track to begin construction this year.

“A number of alternative route suggestions around the community of Eagleby were put forward by the community for consideration,” the TMR spokesman said.

“The government is committed to reviewing six alternative routes and to undertake further community consultation.”