Coomera Connector goes back to drawing board as expert assesses wetlands significance

The state government has gone back to the drawing board and is considering six possible routes for the northern second stage of the Coomera Connector after a community backlash.

THE state government has backflipped over the route of the northern section of its proposed second M1 and has gone back to the drawing board to consider six routes.

The move was an unexpected turn in a community battle to stop the six-lane highway ploughing through secluded wetlands.

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The state has also appointed an independent expert to assess the significance of the Eagleby wetlands, home to 203 native bird species and a popular bird watching spot.

The about-turn followed mapping from residents showing the state the highway could be built with only one bridge instead of three proposed in the approved plans.

The first stage of the road, from Nerang to Coomera, is already being assessed for environmental impacts by the federal government.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said a thorough assessment of the environmental impacts at the road’s northern section had to be completed before the Eagleby stretch was decided.

Findings from both the independent wetlands review and the state government's assessment of the six routes will be made public prior to any community consultation or a route decision.

A report detailing information from both is expected this year.

The state backflip over the approved route, signed off on in March last year, came after community outrage over the lack of consultation and anger over the impact on the wetlands.

Two consultation sessions were held in Eagleby last year and findings from 1000 people independently surveyed showed support for the Coomera Connector but not through the wetlands.

The survey of residents and businesses between Loganholme and the Gold Coast found 80 per cent wanted a second M1 and 76 per cent supported the stage one section between Coomera and Nerang.

Macalister MP Melissa McMahon said the extra scrutiny over the environmental aspects at Eagleby was necessary.

Melissa McMahon with Eagleby residents at the proposed Coomera Connector site near the Eagleby Wetlands. AAP Image/Richard Walker

“You don’t get second chances on these kinds of proposals, so we need to make sure we carefully look at these areas of concern,” she said.

“The potential effects of a new road on the Eagleby Wetlands and the broader environmental concerns in our community around flooding, noise and property impacts need to be looked at.

“Projects on this scale should meet the highest environmental standards possible, so I’m glad TMR has engaged environmental consultants to specifically report on the wetlands.”

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Ms McMahon agreed with The Eagleby Community and Wetlands Group that there had not been enough consultation before the state signed off on the approved routed.

Wetlands group chairperson Marilyn Goodwin said the work of the independent expert was important as the wetlands were of national significance.

“We have been aware for some time that alternate routes were being investigated and are now pleased to see time frames around that and that the community is to be consulted prior to a final decision,” Ms Goodwin said.

“Community consultation has been totally inadequate and we have been trying for more than a year to have the state government realise that.”

Logan businesswoman Jaye Rose was also keen to hear of any findings from the report on any new route after applying to Logan City Council to use land earmarked for the road before it is built.

Jaye Rose at the site where the Coomera Connector is likely to link to the M1 at Loganholme. AAP/Image Sarah Marshall

The land, on the Pacific Highway at Loganholme is where an interchange will be built for the Connector and the M1 and Logan Motorway.

Originally published as Coomera Connector goes back to drawing board as expert assesses wetlands significance