Dynnyrne residents losing hope as state government pushes ahead with Southern Outlet fifth lane

Opponents of a planned fifth lane for the Southern Outlet say they believe the state government will push ahead with the project despite vocal community opposition. LATEST >>

DYNNYRNE residents fighting plans for a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet don’t believe they will have the same success as campaigners who convinced the state government to scrap a proposed overpass for the Bass Highway.

The government announced on Thursday that it would not be proceeding with its plan to construct an overpass at Leith following “community feedback”. It will instead seek to improve safe access to the highway by upgrading two existing junctions.

SOS (Southern Outlet Solutions) spokeswoman Meg Smith said the group was “really pleased for the people of Leith”.

“It gives me hope that there is perhaps evidence that the government is open to community opinion,” she said.

“Does that give me hope that it might alter our situation? I don’t think so.”

The government wants to build a new transit lane on the outlet, between Olinda Grove and Macquarie St, in a bid to reduce congestion and improve northbound traffic flow.

Some residents of Dynnyrne Rd were told the government may seek to acquire homes to make way for the new lane.

Labor MP Ella Haddad and Dynnyrne resident Meg Smith, who lives next to the Southern Outlet. Picture: Chris Kidd

It is understood at least two homeowners have agreed to sell their properties to the government, while negotiations with two others are continuing.

There were fears that up to 17 homes could ultimately have been bulldozed.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said on Friday that the transit lane was the “only solution” to congestion problems on the outlet.

“The government quietly got on with the job of positively working with key property owners on Dynnyrne Rd and the number of properties impacted will be considerably fewer than that repeatedly and falsely claimed by Labor and the Greens,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I am pleased to announce that due to our mutually respectful engagement with property owners, some negotiated acquisitions have now been agreed. Also, subject to final engineering advice, as few as four dwellings might be acquired.”

Before a development application can be lodged for the transit lane, geotechnical assessments of the land will need to be undertaken, Mr Ferguson said.

Clark Labor MHA Ella Haddad said the government had “backflipped on its plan to demolish homes in Leith and should now do the same in Dynnyrne”.

“A short extra strip of road … is not going to fix traffic congestion – all it will do is plunge residents into homelessness in the middle of a housing crisis,” she said.

“Minister Ferguson should change his decision on this project like he did the Leith overpass and instead look at more viable options to ease traffic congestion.”

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People power shuts down overpass plans

AFTER a year of campaigning the people of Leith in the state’s North-West have won a battle to stop an overpass being built which would have forced the demolition of two homes.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson announced on Thursday that in response to community feedback, the proposed Bass Highway overpass proposed would be scrapped.

Instead, the government will “pursue other upgrade options” to provide safer access to the highway from two existing junctions.

“Instead of building a grade-separated overpass, the Bass Highway junctions with Short St and Braddons Lookout Rd will be structurally improved, making it easier and safer for vehicles,” Mr Ferguson said.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson.

Resident and campaigner Tony Downey said the announcement was a great result for the people of Leith who had been living in limbo for almost 12 months.

“We fought with honesty, respect and never gave up,” Mr Downey said.

“I also feel credit should be given to Minister Ferguson because he showed the strength to question the original project and listen to the people of Leith, the little people.

“There is no shame in any government or minister reversing a decision when the evidence is clearly wrong in the first place.”

Signs at Leith as locals protest against plans for a highway flyover

He criticised the Central Coast Council for urging the government to build the overpass despite opposition from many ratepayers.

Work on the scrapped proposal has already cost Tasmania over $800,000.

The Greens say the change of heart was about electoral fear.

“For years, Leith residents have fought this ludicrous project, yet all their pleas for common sense alternatives fell on deaf ears within the Gutwein Government,” Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said.

Ms O’Connor called on the government to also consider common sense alternatives to a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet at Hobart, which would also result in homes being demolished.

“If he can see the light for Leith, he should be able to for the Outlet and come up with an alternative that doesn’t displace residents and increase congestion,” she said.

Labor said the announcement was a win for the Leith community.

Signs at Leith as locals protest against plans for a highway flyover

The new roadworks design features a structured separation of right-turning traffic.

Mr Ferguson said that would give motorists improved visibility and a hard separation.

“We are determined to deliver an upgrade which improves safety - that is a non-negotiable,” Mr Ferguson said.

“After the upgrade is completed, the Department of State Growth will closely monitor traffic conditions and safety performance to ensure the risk of crashes is mitigated.”

The RACT said the existing junctions are inherently dangerous.

“The proposed overpass would have been an effective way to address the risk. However, it’s clear that there is significant opposition to it from the community,” the RACT said.

“It is absolutely vital that the Government doesn’t walk away from trying to address the issue and achieve a minimum AusRAP safety rating of three stars for this section of highway.”