These are notes from the Second Community Reference Group Meeting – Kenmore Bypass Study on 18 September 2008. This meeting largely focused on presenting the studies that are underway and reveal a lot of very interesting, and at times upsetting, information about the process.
Main Roads advised they will have multiple design options for the freeway to present to the next CRG meeting and community (via shop displays and a newsletter) around the first week in November. Despite not all studies being able to be completed by November, the Project Manager was confident they will have enough information to be able to present multiple design options.
The Kenmore Bypass Study Project Manager refused to answer questions on the nature of the options. Specifically he was asked if there was any news on whether there would be on and off ramps at Rafting Ground, Gem, and/ or Kenmore Roads and no information was allowed. Further questions regarding tolling were not allowed to be discussed but it was made clear this is not part of this study and would likely form part of the business case analysis for the Government to consider.
This second CRG meeting was held for Main Roads to present the process they are using to undertake some of the environmental studies for the options development of the Kenmore Bypass. Maunsells Project Director presented the overall process and explained some limitations. He advised Geotechnicians are unavailable due to the number of infrastructure projects being completed or studied currently and they are unable to take noise readings until the Moggill Road upgrade to Kilkivan Avenue is completed due to the existence of the construction noise. There was a presentation on the process for the Noise testing in more detail by Maunsells.
One aspect that was identified as a high risk to the Kenmore Bypass proceeding was noise. As we know along the corridor the loudest thing to be heard may be a Kookaburra laughing or crow shouting. The CRG heard about the Main Roads Noise Management Code of Practice that exists and the Kenmore Bypass would have to be built to adhere to it. The Code of Practice was very concerning to me. Basically from 6am to midnight, 90% of traffic would have to be less than 60db, with no limit on the remaining 10%. Averaged out on a freeway, this could mean one truck every 1-2 minutes applying its air brakes. Between midnight and 6am they were not sure of the noise requirements as Main Roads do not look at those times. Although Maunsells said they will get back and advise what the BCC and EPA guidelines advise on this. Main Roads advised they would send me the link to their Code of Practice, which I have been waiting to include in this update but it has not been sent to me.
Regarding animals/ fauna in the corridor and surrounding area, Maunsells are conducting tests. They have conducted hair trappings and have had staff conducting observations in the last couple of weeks. Due to the drought conditions I am hoping their studies will reflect historic and current information. We were advised Main Roads have improved their environment strategies including erecting poles to replace trees for gliders and birds to use. Culverts are now wider to make it easier for animals to find their way under freeways. I didn’t find this very re-assuring for the fauna but am sure it was said with good intention to re-assure the CRG.
Questions were asked about the traffic counters. Main Roads confirmed these were part of the study – to look at how many cars and trucks currently travel of certain roads and the Centenary Highway. They advised they were in a hurry to complete their counts prior to school holidays when the numbers of both reduce.
There is not a lot more to advise at this point. I will keep fighting to get more information to give you.
15 Comments to “Notes from Second Community Reference Group Meeting”
Fred
Read this update and it isn’t your fault they won’t tell you anything. It is so frustrating. I wonder what would happen if some of these well paid Engineers found out what it feels like… out of no fault of your own, you could: lose your home/ your community/ your suburb/ your lifestyle; the area is so quiet; where you wanted to grow old and leave to your kids… I can’t believe how insensitive and uncaring some people are. I think we have all been too nice about this. We have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
Kerry
I can’t believe they can put a freeway in a quiet valley, destroying the natural habitat of animals and birds, put up steel poles, have a few concrete pipes under it, introduce unlimited noise really, right next to homes in most parts and there is nothing we can do about it. What is the Environment Protection Agency for?!?!? I can’t believe threatened or endangered species are basically killed – that is what will happen when they bulldoze their homes and fill them with 10 metres of concrete. Did Main Roads or the people studying the environment say what happens if the habitat is destroyed for them. Why would they stay to sit on a steel pole when they have nothing to eat etc? I read in the Courier Mail recently what happens – they die. They can’t relocate (like the environment vandals have been promising us for years). I will not be directly affected by the corridor but I care about the environment. This is a test for others who profess to care about the environment – do they love their 4WD or even prius more. They will only probably save 1 minute on a trip (when lucky) – I challenge them to think about that and then try to sleep at night.
Chris
You’re right Fred we have been too nice about what has happened to the residents of Kenmore.
The community reference group is meant to help the community so we can have the best outcome for the COMMUNITY!!
Instead it appears it is a dictatorship. I demand at the next meeting the Project Manager answer questions & give information in regard to on/off ramps at Gem & Kenmore rds.
This is very serious, although I do not want the Kenmore Bypass my understanding of the reasons for it was to supposedly HELP to decrease rat running in Kenmore.
So Mr. Project Manager if there are on/off ramps at Gem/Kenmore rds this absolutely flies in the face of even putting in the Kenmore Bypass. We all know that this will significantly increase traffic in Gem, Kenmore, Sunset rds & Twilight St & therefore negate the reason for the Bypass.
This will directly put all residents of Kenmore in further danger. Our children & pedestrians will be less safe.
So if you don’t want further so called rat running in Kenmore whether you are for or against the Kenmore Bypass this is an imperative time to tell the project manager we need for this to be examined at the next Community Reference Group Meeting.
If this is not addresssed then the whole process should be abandoned & the whole DMR team should be replaced with professionals that do take this as seriously as the residents of Kenmore do.
THIS IS NOT A PARTY OR PICNIC WE HAVE BEEN INVITED TOO. THIS IS OUR LIVES THAT IS BEING MESSED AROUND WITH.
TIME FOR DMR TO ACT RESPONSIBLY AND SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE OF KENMORE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THIS MONSTEROUS PROPOSAL.
Victoria
These comments from Bruce Flegg’s recent newsletter have really shocked me. Not once have I heard him mention any form of support or compensation for the people affected by the proposed Kenmore Bypass – just read what he is prepared to do for those affected by the Goodna Bypass – and remember after all he IS our State Rep!!!!
“I am also calling on the Government to compensate those
residents who will be adversely affected by a downturn in
property values. The creation of this new road reserve will
in itself, affect values and create uncertainty for the
community.
I will continue to fight against this proposal. I believe that it
is wrong. I will continue to keep you informed about any
developments.” -
Kathy(2)
I so agree Victoria. I’ve had my say several times how we don’t seem to exist to Bruce Flegg. I must be the eternal optimist though, as silly me STILL keeps expecting one day he’ll show a glimmer of concern. Has he ‘walked the grid’ – that is has he seen how close people’s homes are going to be to a horror highway (it’s not the local one lane each way road some of us took a chance on that we’re fighting here).
Julie Hagans
Attended West Brisbane Greens preselection meeting this afternoon, they have been wonderful in their support of Save Our Kenmore and stopping the Kenmore Bypass.
The meeting was great, Ronan Lee was accepted as a Greens member and preselected as the member for Indooroopilly.
Congratulations Ronan on your decision, the residents of Kenmore have also greatly appreciated your support in fighting this road. We all know that there are better alternatives & they are cheaper than $500 million.
The fight for climate change is a local issue, saving our tress & habitats and improving public transport & rail are the best solutions to traffic issues in the West.
There will be many save our Kenmorians very happy for you tonight.
Philip Machanick
Kenmore campaigners who arrived at the West Brisbane Greens AGM as observers today would have been surprised to see Bob Brown and Ronan Lee there. No doubt by now most of you will know that Ronan has shifted to the Greens, and his government’s attitude to the Kenmore Bypass was one of several factors in his decision.
This move should give the Greens a higher profile in the state election. I hope this means that we can deliver for Kenmore. Please go to my blog to post comments (http://opinion-nation.blogspot.com/2008/10/turmoil-in-queensland-major-party.html), and look out for us on YouTube (links should appear at http://www.qld.greens.org.au).
This may also be a good time to get in a word about the Kenmore Bypass in comments and blogs on the newspaper web sites — and to write letters to the papers.
See article at my blog…
Pamela
I attended the Greens pre-selection with Julie Hagans on Sunday 5th October and we were surprised to see Bob Brown and Ronan Lee at ther meeting. However all became clear when Ronan made his announcement. His reasons were sound and I wish him well in his new role! Sadly, Ronan is correct in his statement that neither the State Labor government nor the LNP are taking the population’s concerns seriously when it comes to climate change and putting the environment first. More and more people are aware of the need to do something now in terms of our future. Let’s hope that the Greens do get a higher profile in the next state election. All the best Ronan.
Mako
I would suggest a few people take a look at Springborg’s feed-in tariff idea. It is very good. 100 times better than Bligh or Lucas or McNamara or Fraser or Robertson etc. Is this telling you something?
Really people, it is time to make some hard decisions and to get over 80′s QLD politics. To me, the LNP has better environmental policies than the QLD ALP at this stage. I can’t see a change there. I wouldn’t entertain dreams of the ALP at the moment and would encourage some ACTUAL progressive development on environmental policies!
Philip Machanick
The only sensible feed-in tariff model is a gross one as in Germany (e.g., see http://christine-milne.greensmps.org.au/blog/help-me-make-a-renewables-feed-law-a-reality). The net tariff idea in Qld is balmy. It makes metering much more complicated and reduces the incentive to put in solar power by people who are at home during the day (e.g. retirees). Why you should you be paid less for electricity generated at peak daytime load just because you happen to use some escapes me. No power utility is charged on that basis for its own usage off the grid.
In any case the positive thing is that being greener has suddenly become a badge of honour. Let’s hold them to it, and make sure it’s not just shallow vote grabbing.
anon
In my opinion, The Greens have the best environmental policies when compared to LNP and ALP.
David R
[note from admin: this comment evens out this exchange so letting it through, but please try not to engage in criticising each other's political party choice... this community has many different party memberships and we need to unite all the same. It's fine to criticise each party's platform and pols if it is constructive, but please don't direct it towards the people who are leaving comments. Thanks.]
Re: comment from “Mako”.
Are you seriously advocating support for the LNP? You do know that this is the party of “Bruce Flegg”, right? The same Bruce Flegg for whom the community of Kenmore does not even exist.
“anon” is correct. If you want true progressive environmental policy, look to the Greens.
Fred
Well said Admin. I was stewing on this and thinking I don’t care what else they stand for, I will vote based on the Kenmore Bypass and actions speak louder than words. I want a true representative ie. someone who will stand up for me in Parliament. This is about the Kenmore Bypass and Moggill Pocket Arterial Freeway. If parties/ candidates aren’t working on how to stop them, then I don’t care if they are green, blue, red, black or grey! I am keen to know who the candidates are so I see what they are doing to help stop this mad scheme. Actions speak louder than words.
Jules
Yes well said again Admin. It’s important to note that Michael Johnson (Liberal) and Ronan Lee (Labor now Greens) have been really vocal in their opposition to the bypass.
I have a question though, I am unfamiliar with Queensland law regarding political donations. Are they public? If so, I would be very interested to see who donates to Dr Flegg and Councilor DeWitt. Their utter lack of support and proper representation to large parts their constituency is baffling. What’s that old line….”Follow the money and you’ll find the answer….???”
Steve
Actions speak louder than words, Flegg & Dewit started this mess. No vote from me
Then they say it’s for the good of the community. But when thousands of us protest against the road again, again & again. I don’t think they’re that stupid they should be understanding through our actions that the people don’t want the rd for a myriad of reasons.
Then Flegg comes out in his latest newsletter in support of the few people affected by the Goodna Bypass, & asking for compensation for them. Wow where is our compensation???
Yes actions do speak louder than words. My question is why them so few & why us thousands?? In Flegg’[s own words this is WRONG.