On 4 August representatives of the Sippy Downs and District Community Association, together with Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie, met with Deputy Premier and minister responsible for planning, Paul Lucas to discuss the Palmview development.
In October 2010 the state government conditionally approved the Palmview Structure Plan, subject to provisions. The final state interest review determined council needed to undertake more detailed studies of the east-west and north-south greenlink public transport corridor alignments. Conditions were also set to ensure community consultation will be further considered in relation to the detailed design of the north-south link.
Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said, “We took the opportunity to reiterate with the Deputy Premier, the community’s objection to council’s preferred alignment of the north-south greenlink. This alignment through existing parkland will have an adverse impact on Sippy Downs residents. Over the past two and a half years, I have received strong objection to this proposal and heard of viable alternatives. Over 1200 submissions against were made to council and I also tabled a parliamentary petition bearing over 1400 signatures."
SDDCA President Murray Lyons said, “The SDDCA has always supported the need for effective public transport to connect Palmview and Sippy Downs to the wider Sunshine Coast. However, we have concerns about some of the six current options for the proposed east-west greenlink bus route due to cost, impact on ecologically sensitive land and building across flood prone areas. Further analysis has recently commenced and we look forward to engaging with the consultants to discuss these issues.
“We asked the Deputy Premier if during the analysis by an independent consultant and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, additional options including light rail could be considered. Mr Lucas was very receptive to this proposal and was shown a light rail design by Conlon Birrell Landscape Architects. The Deputy Premier also added that he believed any proposed dedicated bus way should also be considered with a view to light rail capability.”
Mr Lyons said, “We have advised council that we will be submitting this light rail design for their consideration as we strongly believe that every viable option should be considered during the consultation phase.
“We would also like to gauge public feedback for this light rail proposal and have invited James Birrell to make a presentation at the SDDCA AGM on 17 August. All interested residents are invited to attend.”
Other guest speakers - Jarrod Bleijie MP, Cr Christian Dickson, Warren Bunker, Executive Director, Regional Strategy & Planning, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Brett Young, Officer in Charge of Sippy Downs Police, will focus on local issues. An update on the Sippy Downs Town Centre will be provided.
The SDDCA AGM will be held at the multi-purpose hall, Chancellor State College Primary Campus, Scholars Drive, Sippy Downs, at 7pm on Wednesday 17 August. More information regarding the AGM is available at www.sippydowns.qld.au Murray Lyons President, SDDCA 05.08.11
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