Options for the future transport needs of the Rockhampton region were presented at a community meeting and information session in North Rockhampton last night.

The meeting forms part of the Gillard Labor Government funded $5 million Fitzroy River Floodplain and Road Planning Study.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore, and State Member for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan, were pleased with the turnout at the meeting which gave members of the public the opportunity to review the options and have their say.

“This meeting was a chance for the community to provide input into which road and rail corridors they believe will deliver the best short and long-term transport outcomes for the region,” Ms Livermore said.

“The study has so far identified three long-term road options and two rail corridor options that could cater for growth in the Rockhampton region well into the future.”

The three road options are:

• a route behind the Rockhampton airport, crossing the Fitzroy River north of Rockhampton and rejoining the Bruce Highway north of Glenmore;


• a route to the east of Rockhampton, running behind Depot Hill and crossing the river south of the CBD; and


• an upgrade of the existing Bruce Highway through the city, to include interchanges and other significant upgrades.

The two rail options primarily follow the western and eastern road alignments, removing the North Coast rail line from Dennison Street.

“The study has also put forward a series of short to medium-term road recommendations which would involve upgrading the Bruce Highway crossing over the Yeppen Floodplain and a number of intersection upgrades along the highway through Rockhampton,” Mrs Livermore said.

Mr Hoolihan said the options would now undergo technical, engineering, environmental, cultural heritage, social, safety and community analysis.

“While the identified corridor options have different characteristics, they all have the potential to deliver significant improvements to the traffic flow, amenity and impact of flooding on the Bruce Highway through Rockhampton,” Mr Hoolihan said.

“Back in early 2010, more than 180 people had their say to help get these options onto the shortlist and I want even more people’s input this time round to get to the final selection,” he said.

Over the next four weeks feedback would be sought from the community on which option they believe will deliver the best long-term transport outcome.

Copies of the information sheet and feedback forms are available at council and MP offices, the Transport and Main Roads office, Rockhampton libraries and online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au, and the study team will also host a number of public displays during the feedback period.

Further information on the Fitzroy River Floodplain and Road Planning Study is available by contacting the study hotline on 1800 027 340 or by visiting www.tmr.qld.gov.au