Councillor concerned public out of bypass loop
A COUNCILLOR has questioned whether the community is being properly informed about agreements regarding the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.
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COUNCILLOR Bill Cahill has questioned whether the community is being properly informed about Toowoomba Regional Council's move to sign agreements regarding the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.
At yesterday's council meeting, Cr Cahill said he was concerned the public wasn't aware about the possible impacts of interface agreements council is working on both with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and with the consortium that will be chosen to build the crossing.
"We're forging ahead with interface agreements. At what stage, do we notify the public?" he asked.
Infrastructure Services general manager Mike Brady said public consultation would take place over the next 12 months.
Mr Brady said the public had already been informed over the last 20 years about the plans which include interchanges at Mort St and Boundary Rd.
He said the interface agreements went into how council would work with the organisations over the next few years.
Mr Brady said they covered issues including roads, drainage and sewerage.
He said none of the agreements had been signed off and wouldn't be until the middle of the year.
"There are about 28 road impacts in the region including overpasses on gravel roads and intersections.
"The interface agreement is not specific, but talks about matters that may arise."
Cr Nancy Sommerfield said council needed to do what was strategically smart for the city.
"We will do our best to communicate with people who are impacted by it, but I would be surprised if there was anyone who wasn't aware of any impacts," she said.
Cr Carol Taylor said once the project took shape, and the proponent was known, council would be able to work with the community and explain how council proposed the connection roads to happen.
Cr Paul Antonio said the horse had not bolted in terms of community consultation.
"The horse is behind the barrier.
"There will be a period of opportunity when we can engage with the public and we need to do that," he said.
Originally published as Councillor concerned public out of bypass loop
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