Ingham to Cardwell Range Highway Planning Study Webpage last updated on Webpage last updated on 8th April 2011
Preferred alignment announced
On 6 April 2011 the Department of Transport and Main Roads announced that W2A is the preferred highway alignment in the Ingham to Cardwell Range Highway Planning Study.
The western 2A (W2A) alignment announced as the preferred alignment
The W2A alignment has been chosen as the preferred alignment as part of the planning study aimed at reducing flooding closures on the Bruce Highway between the southern approach to Ingham and the foothills of the Cardwell Range.
The W2A alignment was chosen as the preferred alignment as it provided the best solution across a range of social, cultural, economic, engineering, cost, environment and flooding issues whilst meeting the objectives of the planning study.
The W2A alignment had lower impacts on agricultural land and farming operations, as well as lower social impacts than the W2 alignment. The alignment also had the lowest impact on flooding of all the alignments with large sections of the alignment achieving greater than the desired flood standard. It also had the lowest social impact and lowest economic impact on the farming community of all alignments.
What is the planning study about?
Ripple Creek: Sharp bends will be reduced in the new highway design
In October 2008, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) commenced a $5 million federally-funded planning study to examine options for reducing flooding closures on the Bruce Highway between the southern approach to Ingham and the foothills of the Cardwell Range.
This section of the highway passes through the Ingham township and crosses the Herbert River floodplain. The study is the first step towards improving the performance of the highway during the annual wet season.
The primary aim of the study was to find the best option to improve the flood immunity of the Bruce Highway without significantly increasing flooding problems on nearby land. The department is not attempting to “flood proof” the highway, but rather reduce the frequency and duration of road closures caused by flooding. The new highway will be designed to at least halve the duration of highway closures during a severe flood, from five days to no more than 48 hours, and will reduce average annual closures to no more than 10 hours.
The study also investigated improving the safety and level of service of the Bruce Highway to accommodate current and future traffic needs. When the planning study is complete, Main Roads will apply for funding to construct the preferred alignment sometime in the future. There is no start date for construction at this stage.
TMR engaged a number of specialist consultants to assist with the planning study:
- Engineering consultant, AECOM, is undertaking preliminary investigations and concept planning;
- Flood modelling consultant, WBM conducted a flood analysis of the highway options; and
- EBC (Environment and Behaviour Consultants) has undertaken extensive consultation with the community to help identify and develop design options in conjunction with the ongoing flooding, engineering, environmental, economic, social and cultural heritage analysis.
Rotary Park in centre of Ingham (2007)
Rotary Park during the 2009 floods
What happens next?
Community engagement consultants, EBC will discuss the outcomes of the planning study and the decision making process with all impacted and adjacent landholders, key stakeholders, industry representatives and the broader community.
The department will apply for funding from the federal government to prepare a business case. Once this business case is complete the department will then apply for funding for the detailed design and construction of the preferred alignment.
The preferred alignment may be subject to further refinement based on a future detailed design process. There is no funding for detailed design or construction at this stage.
The community will continue to be informed about the progress of the planning study through the webpage, public displays, community updates, and the media.
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| Canefields surrounding Ingham (2008) | Ingham township ( 2008) | John Row (Herbert River) Bridge (2008) |
Community engagement process
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to working closely with the local community to identify, negotiate and develop the best solution, which takes into account potential social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts. This will involve consultation with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, businesses, industry, local and regional organisations, landholders, residents and others who have an interest in the highway.
Planning advisory committee
A Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) has been established to help support the community engagement process. The PAC is an open committee formed from representatives of key local organisations and local community members who have an interest in the study and are knowledgeable about the local area. The committee provides feedback to the department and its consultants on the community engagement process and ways to get the community involved.
You do not need to be a member of the PAC to provide input into the consultation process; however, if you are interested in being involved with the committee, or would like more information, please enter your name and telephone number below and a consultant will contact you.
Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) documents
- PAC meeting no. 1 (November 1 2008) – agenda
- PAC meeting no. 1 (November 1 2008) – minutes
- PAC meeting no. 2 (January 29 2009) - agenda
- PAC meeting no. 2 (January 29 2009) - minutes
- PAC meeting no. 3 (June 18 2009) – agenda
- PAC meeting no. 3 (June 18 2009) - minutes
Have your say?
There are a number of ways you can provide information and comments to the consultants undertaking this study.
Your Comments or Questions:
Keep Informed
Frequently asked questions
Click here to view commonly asked questions
Fact Sheets
Economic Impact Summary (pdf 0.4MB)
Community Updates
Community Update November 2008
Community Update February 2009
Community Update July 2009
Community Update December 2009
Community update February/March 2010
Other Project Documents
Advertorial (November 2008)
Media Release – alignment options released (11 February 2010)
Economic Impact Assessment Report (May 2010)
Contact Information
If you would like to talk to a consultant please call 1300 139 824 and leave your name and contact details.
Phone: 1300 139 824
Fax: (07) 4772 6335
Email: ingham@ebc.net.au
Send written comments to:
Ingham to Cardwell Range Planning Study
Po Box 458
Townsville Qld 4810
Background information on the project is also available from: www.tmr.qld.gov.au