By Emily-Rose Toohey
A report was presented at council regarding a Warwick heavy vehicle bypass at 23 March Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) meeting.
The report was taken as read and Cr Jo McNally said it is urgent that they plan ahead for the bypass.
“This is the third amendment to our planning scheme and we still don’t know where this corridor is going which makes it hard for future planning,” Cr McNally said.
“Let’s hope that it can come to fruition soon so it gives better planing to our region.”
SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi said he endorsed Cr McNally’s comments.
“It’s critical that we do know where it potentially could be for future industrial estates, we need to be armed with that informatio,” Cr Pennisi said.
“I don’t believe we’re going to get a bypass in ten years, but we need to start planning to inform future decision makers.”
The reason for the bypass is due to safety and amenity concerns.
The report submitted at council stated that Albion and Wood Streets experience road safety and amenity problems associated with central business district traffic, school traffic and the mixing of local, regional and long distance traffic including large, heavy vehicles.
“The amenity issues related to the high volumes of heavy vehicles in the centre of Warwick is also considered as a potential impediment to attracting new residents, which is critical.
Council approved the following:
1. Requests the completion of a Corridor Evaluation and Preservation Study for a Warwick Heavy Vehicle Bypass, via application to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to apply to the Federal Government to fund the study.
2. Approach the State and Federal Governments to prioritise the study and its funding.
The motion was moved by Cr McNally and seconded by Cr Cameron Gow.
