Today’s announcement on the Pacific Highway upgrade of the missing link between Tintenbar and Ewingsdale is a compromise that ensures the road will continue to be the major artery between NSW and Queensland, said Ian Cohen, NSW Greens Upper House MP.
“The route is not the worst case scenario for T2E, but it seems that the Government has abandoned any plans for an alternative inland route,” Mr Cohen said.
“An inland route could have improved the safety of the thousands of local north coast residents by diverting trucks off this dangerous section of the highway.
“Now we have an M-class, four lane road with a speed of 110kmh. The Greens have consistently pushed for a safer, A-class road, with more local access and a lower speed limit, to follow the existing route.
“With the new route, the Government has taken some major concerns on board, which is a win for the local community and the Greens who have worked hard to make the Government see some sense on this issue.
“The new highway, a combination of the RTA’s “A” and “B” route options, means that much of the upgrade will keep to the existing highway corridor. Most of the impact will fall on people who were already aware of the possible ramifications of living close to a highway.
“The majority of North Coast residents will be relieved that the new highway will be built in close proximity to the existing route.
“I am still concerned about the loss of prime agricultural land around Newrybar and Knockrow, and I sympathise with those who may lose their homes or livelihoods. However, the other options “C” and “D” would have resulted in a much greater loss of both farmland and private freehold land outside the historical road corridor where people expect the upgrade to occur.
“The new route saves us from the prospect of an environmental disaster along the coastal floodplain and SEPP 14 wetlands had the Government chosen to proceeed with options C or D,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 2603 or 0431 320 085
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