Coomera Connector route changes revealed

Transport bosses are holding discussions with affected property owners after announcing major changes to the route of the Coomera Connector. See images and video of the new route.

Changes have been made to the proposed route of the Coomera Connector’s second stage, forcing the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to re-gazette parts of the corridor.

TMR said discussions with impacted property owners are “currently underway” after announcing the alterations around Coomera, Pimpama and Eagleby.

Speaking at a press conference in Helensvale, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the changes would reduce the environmental impact of Stage Two of the road from Coomera to Loganholme.

“We’ve seen opportunities there, in terms of environmental gains, to adjust slightly the corridor,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’re putting that out for public consultation from today for about five weeks so people can have a look at that.

Artist's impression of the new Coomera Connector Logan River crossing.

“But we think it’s a better outcome in terms of environment, particularly around Eagleby, where there’s Wetlands and areas of significance. Moving the corridor a little bit can actually save quite a bit of beautiful land down there.

“We’re happy to work with community groups and environment groups when we do infrastructure to get it right. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

“So I invite the public to have a look at those adjustments.”

Artist's impression of the Coomera Connector interchange at Foxwell Rd in Coomera.

Artist's impression of the new Coomera Connector alignment at Kerkin Road North in Pimpama.

At Coomera a planned interchange has been moved north from Oakey Creek Rd to Foxwell Rd and a new alignment outside the gazetted corridor had been chosen at Kerkin Road North in Pimpama.

The biggest change, however, is at Eagleby, where a vigorous campaign has been waged by locals opposed to the road ploughing through a sensitive wetlands area.

TMR said the new proposed alignment at the crossing of the Logan River:

■ Eliminates impacts to wetlands on the western side of Eagleby and reduces impacts north of Eagleby Rd.

■ Eliminates impacts on native vegetation on the western side of Eagleby.

■ Provides a more direct link between the Logan motorway and the M1 interchange.

■ Is further away from houses.

Map of the Coomera Connector Stage 2 route from Coomera to Loganholme.

The changes were welcomed by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

“Identifying opportunities where we can minimise the impacts on the environment is an important part of planning Australian and Queensland Government infrastructure projects and I welcome the changes to the alignment,” Ms King said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey at the site of construction works on Stage One North of the Coomera Connector in Helensvale on Friday. Picture: Keith Woods.

Public consultation on the design of the Coomera Connector second stage is open until November 24, with ‘drop-in’ sessions taking place at shopping centres across the region.

TMR said feedback from the consultation period would “inform the project’s business case”, which is expected to be completed late this year.

Artist's impression of the Coomera Connector interchange at Stapylton-Jacobs Well Rd.

Artist's impression of the Coomera Connector interchange at Loganholme.

Stage One North of the Coomera Connector from Coomera to Helensvale is currently under construction, with building work on Stage One Central and Stage One South scheduled to commence next year.

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