Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is again calling on residents to formally submit their feedback with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) on the proposed Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor.
Following further community gatherings on the issue this week, Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the best way for residents to have their say was to make a formal submission to DTMR.
"Council agrees that there is a growing need for an additional North-South Road for the Toowoomba Region and remains committed to advocating for minimal disruption to our residents while achieving a suitable outcome for the Region.
"Council encourages residents to lodge submissions by DTMR's deadline of September 8, 2023, which was extended after community feedback about concerns regarding the consultation process.
"It is important to note that DTMR will be the decision maker in the final outcome. However, Council will advocate for the interests of Toowoomba Region residents during the assessment and consultation process," Mayor McDonald said.
Mayor McDonald also acknowledged that TRC had received community feedback about Council's role in planning for the corridor.
"DTMR mentioned at the Westbrook Community Forum, a secondary North-South Road to the New England Highway has been talked about for a couple of decades.
"Councillors had only had a general awareness that the State was undertaking a study and were only made aware of the broad study area for a North-South Transport Corridor on October 5, 2022, in a confidential session presented by DTMR. This study area did not have Ministerial approval for public release at that time.
"On June 6, 2023, Councillors received a second confidential presentation by DTMR that showed the same map that was subsequently released to the community early July 2023."
"Ultimately, it is a matter for the State as to when, or if, they make a decision, or if the State does make a decision, what the route might be and when it might be built," Mayor McDonald said.
Members of the public can provide their feedback in the following ways:
- Phoning TMR on 1800 335 625
