Transport Minister Mark Bailey rules out community forum on Toowoomba New England Bypass

Transport Minister Mark Bailey quietly arrived in Toowoomba to discuss the controversial New England Bypass after residents called on him to ‘face them’.

Concerned Toowoomba residents have called on the state’s transport minister to ‘face them’ and hear their concerns over the Toowoomba New England bypass in person.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey quietly arrived in Toowoomba to discuss the multimillion-dollar project on Thursday, September 28, with key stakeholders, the traditional custodians, and residents.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey speaking to the media about the Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor Toowoomba on Thursday, September 28. Picture: Peta McEachern

Minister Mark Bailey said a public community forum would not be held into regards to the controversial Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor.

“The best way for people to have their say is directly from them to us whether that’s via email (or) sitting down without people and having a chat,” he said.

“Not everyone wants to stand up and speak in front of 250 people.”
The new bypass was announced in early July, however the Department of Transport and Main Roads had been planning the future-proofing infrastructure project for years.

The corridor is currently planned to run parallel to the current Toowoomba Bypass and run through large chunks of land slated for future residential development around Toowoomba City.

Northern Toowoomba residents who will be impacted have many concerns, including the displacement of families, loss of visual and noise amenities, impacts on property prices and its effects on koala habitat around Meringandan.

A recent (but not final) map of corridor for new New England Highway bypass around Highfields and Toowoomba.

Mr Bailey said he believed the community was given an “adequate” opportunity to express their concerns, noting the time frame for feedback was twice extended.

“That’s really important that people understand things and that we get a full snapshot of community sentiment in terms of the proposal,” he said.

“I think we will absolutely give people the opportunity to have their say and we will be considering all their submissions.”

He said he met with a “wide range of people” number of people involved, including people who live in or near the corridor and the lands traditional custodians.

“There’s a lot of things to consider … I won’t be making any decision at the moment. The consultation is still open for a number of weeks,” Mr Bailey said.

“I’m considering a lot of the submissions already and we will certainly let the community know what our response will be once that consultation phase is over.”

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