Objection to Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor
The issue
SIGN THE PARLIAMENTARY PETITION NOW - https://shorturl.at/kqBNP
The Queensland Government is proposing that acres upon acres of land around Toowoomba be reserved for a transport corridor to "address the predicted rise in traffic congestion through the town centre" and compensate for "emerging freight needs" – but they are failing to acknowledge the existing infrastructure that could be upgraded at a significantly reduced cost. The proposed corridor also cuts directly through natural habitats, core habitats and preservation areas, homes, farms, divides entire communities and passes dangerously close to a significant Aboriginal heritage site dating back over 6,000 years.
As a concerned citizen and advocate for environmental preservation, I am calling upon my local community to join me in objecting to this corridor, as I firmly believe that such a development poses a significant and unnecessary threat to our community, our sacred Aboriginal sites, and the fragile ecosystems of the region.
The rich biodiversity found in the impacted areas is a vital part of our natural heritage and provides countless benefits to both the local environment and the wider community. The proposed area for this corridor is populated by a great deal of native wildlife that, as a result of major urbanisation, has limited space already, and limited options for relocation, and the TNSTC will do nothing to rectify this.
The proposed corridor passes in dangerously close proximity to one of the region’s primary water sources, Cooby Dam. This dam is crucial to the community, both as one of the three primary sources of water for the region, and as a local recreation area. Proposed construction will take place directly within the water corridor for Cooby Dam, meaning that any chemical or construction related run off has the potential to flow directly into our water supply.
The purity and accessibility of clean water are fundamental to the wellbeing and survival of all life forms, including humans, plants and animals. Contamination resulting from the construction of the transport corridor in the proposed location could have far-reaching consequences for our community, and the ecosystem as a whole. Not only would it pose risks to human health, but it would also jeopardise the survival of aquatic species and disrupt the balance of the local aquatic ecosystem. Contamination of this water source would also greatly impact the immediate community, by making it hazardous for us to engage in recreational activities and water sports at our local dam, which is a popular pastime for a large majority of our region’s population.
In addition to the ecological concerns, the proposed route for the TNSTC passes in very close proximity to Gummingurru, a sacred Aboriginal site in the area which holds great significance to our local Aboriginal population, and our community as a whole. The custodian for this land was informed of the corridor via members of the public – not by any official notice from the government. The existence of this route so close to an integral part of our community, not just on a personal level but a historical level as well, is an insult to First Nations people, and affront to their efforts to resurrect and preserve our cultural heritage.
The proposed corridor also has significant implications for the local community. The proposed route cuts directly through entire communities, cutting off vital access to emergency services, roads, and schools. The homes and rural areas impacted by the proposed corridor were specifically chosen and purchased for the tranquillity and unique lifestyle of rural living, which is now at risk of being destroyed. Many of these residents have worked hard to protect and improve their properties in efforts to preserve the native wildlife that drew them to these areas in the first place. A number of residents have shown their commitment to conservation efforts by joining the Land for Wildlife voluntary program. The proposed construction of this corridor would undo generations of hard work, and completely destroy the way of life that the residents of these communities have worked hard to build.
By building the proposed transport corridor, these rural communities would face severe disruptions, including increased noise pollution, air pollution, and the loss of the very qualities that attracted them to these areas in the first place. The destruction of these properties and subsequent disturbance to the community would have lasting social and emotional impacts on the affected individuals and families, as well as the wildlife they are committed to protecting. It is essential for our government to acknowledge and prioritise the wellbeing and quality of life of our citizens when considering such infrastructure projects, especially when infrastructure exists already that can be modified to suit the growing needs of our community without causing unnecessary damage.
The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing can, and does, provide ample access to the North and South sides of Toowoomba. With proper improvements and upgrades, this existing corridor could serve as a viable alternative, effectively mitigating the need for constructing a new corridor in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. By investing in the existing corridor, we could address the transportation needs while minimising the overall impact. This would not only avoid the destruction of native plants and animals' habitats but also alleviate the concerns raised by the community regarding the disruption of their homes, sacred sites, and quality of life. Furthermore, improving the existing corridor would offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution compared to building entirely new infrastructure.
Those of us signing this petition strongly urge our government and our local representatives to consider alternative options and explore the potential of improving the existing corridor. This would allow us to achieve any transportation objectives while simultaneously safeguarding our natural environment and addressing the needs and desires of the local community. By adopting a sustainable approach that utilises our existing resources effectively, we can strike a balance between development and conservation, and, in doing so, we can uphold the principles of social responsibility and ensure that the lifestyles and cultures of our residents are respected and preserved.
We kindly request prompt attention to this matter, and sincerely hope that, when the time comes, our government will accurately represent our community by listening to our suggestions and improving existing infrastructure before making the decision to rehome hundreds of families and destroy acres of land for a transport corridor that is not necessary. The TNSTC will significantly impact this region socially, environmentally, and culturally, and it is the government's duty to act on behalf of our people and make the choices that best serve our needs, and the needs of future generations.
2,210
The issue
SIGN THE PARLIAMENTARY PETITION NOW - https://shorturl.at/kqBNP
The Queensland Government is proposing that acres upon acres of land around Toowoomba be reserved for a transport corridor to "address the predicted rise in traffic congestion through the town centre" and compensate for "emerging freight needs" – but they are failing to acknowledge the existing infrastructure that could be upgraded at a significantly reduced cost. The proposed corridor also cuts directly through natural habitats, core habitats and preservation areas, homes, farms, divides entire communities and passes dangerously close to a significant Aboriginal heritage site dating back over 6,000 years.
As a concerned citizen and advocate for environmental preservation, I am calling upon my local community to join me in objecting to this corridor, as I firmly believe that such a development poses a significant and unnecessary threat to our community, our sacred Aboriginal sites, and the fragile ecosystems of the region.
The rich biodiversity found in the impacted areas is a vital part of our natural heritage and provides countless benefits to both the local environment and the wider community. The proposed area for this corridor is populated by a great deal of native wildlife that, as a result of major urbanisation, has limited space already, and limited options for relocation, and the TNSTC will do nothing to rectify this.
The proposed corridor passes in dangerously close proximity to one of the region’s primary water sources, Cooby Dam. This dam is crucial to the community, both as one of the three primary sources of water for the region, and as a local recreation area. Proposed construction will take place directly within the water corridor for Cooby Dam, meaning that any chemical or construction related run off has the potential to flow directly into our water supply.
The purity and accessibility of clean water are fundamental to the wellbeing and survival of all life forms, including humans, plants and animals. Contamination resulting from the construction of the transport corridor in the proposed location could have far-reaching consequences for our community, and the ecosystem as a whole. Not only would it pose risks to human health, but it would also jeopardise the survival of aquatic species and disrupt the balance of the local aquatic ecosystem. Contamination of this water source would also greatly impact the immediate community, by making it hazardous for us to engage in recreational activities and water sports at our local dam, which is a popular pastime for a large majority of our region’s population.
In addition to the ecological concerns, the proposed route for the TNSTC passes in very close proximity to Gummingurru, a sacred Aboriginal site in the area which holds great significance to our local Aboriginal population, and our community as a whole. The custodian for this land was informed of the corridor via members of the public – not by any official notice from the government. The existence of this route so close to an integral part of our community, not just on a personal level but a historical level as well, is an insult to First Nations people, and affront to their efforts to resurrect and preserve our cultural heritage.
The proposed corridor also has significant implications for the local community. The proposed route cuts directly through entire communities, cutting off vital access to emergency services, roads, and schools. The homes and rural areas impacted by the proposed corridor were specifically chosen and purchased for the tranquillity and unique lifestyle of rural living, which is now at risk of being destroyed. Many of these residents have worked hard to protect and improve their properties in efforts to preserve the native wildlife that drew them to these areas in the first place. A number of residents have shown their commitment to conservation efforts by joining the Land for Wildlife voluntary program. The proposed construction of this corridor would undo generations of hard work, and completely destroy the way of life that the residents of these communities have worked hard to build.
By building the proposed transport corridor, these rural communities would face severe disruptions, including increased noise pollution, air pollution, and the loss of the very qualities that attracted them to these areas in the first place. The destruction of these properties and subsequent disturbance to the community would have lasting social and emotional impacts on the affected individuals and families, as well as the wildlife they are committed to protecting. It is essential for our government to acknowledge and prioritise the wellbeing and quality of life of our citizens when considering such infrastructure projects, especially when infrastructure exists already that can be modified to suit the growing needs of our community without causing unnecessary damage.
The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing can, and does, provide ample access to the North and South sides of Toowoomba. With proper improvements and upgrades, this existing corridor could serve as a viable alternative, effectively mitigating the need for constructing a new corridor in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. By investing in the existing corridor, we could address the transportation needs while minimising the overall impact. This would not only avoid the destruction of native plants and animals' habitats but also alleviate the concerns raised by the community regarding the disruption of their homes, sacred sites, and quality of life. Furthermore, improving the existing corridor would offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution compared to building entirely new infrastructure.
Those of us signing this petition strongly urge our government and our local representatives to consider alternative options and explore the potential of improving the existing corridor. This would allow us to achieve any transportation objectives while simultaneously safeguarding our natural environment and addressing the needs and desires of the local community. By adopting a sustainable approach that utilises our existing resources effectively, we can strike a balance between development and conservation, and, in doing so, we can uphold the principles of social responsibility and ensure that the lifestyles and cultures of our residents are respected and preserved.
We kindly request prompt attention to this matter, and sincerely hope that, when the time comes, our government will accurately represent our community by listening to our suggestions and improving existing infrastructure before making the decision to rehome hundreds of families and destroy acres of land for a transport corridor that is not necessary. The TNSTC will significantly impact this region socially, environmentally, and culturally, and it is the government's duty to act on behalf of our people and make the choices that best serve our needs, and the needs of future generations.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 17 July 2023