Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP, has today launched a petition to support requests for an interchange at Boyd Street, Tugun.
An interchange at Boyd Street was part of the original plans for the Tugun Bypass but was dropped in 2002 for what can only amount to financial reasons.
“After more than twenty years on the drawing board and cost blow-outs that see the Bypass costing taxpayers almost $100 million per kilometre, you would have thought that that the Bligh Government could get it right and plan for the future growth of our area,” said Ms Stuckey.
“Residents in and around Tugun have lobbied hard over many years to get this bypass. Now it is finally happening and the people of Tugun have been very patient through all of the construction to date.
“With the sudden impost of another major construction in the form of a billion dollar desalination plant causing major disruption, dust, and noise, these good citizens have suffered long enough.
“This government owes it to the people of Tugun to negotiate immediately with their Labor counterparts in New South Wales to acquire the necessary land to build this interchange.
“To date New South Wales have got off debt free with the cost of the Bypass being carried by Queenslanders. An overpass from Cobaki Lakes will pour traffic through Boyd Street and along Coolangatta Road, further reducing the quality of many people’s lifestyles.
Ms Stuckey, who launched the petition today with Liberal Candidate for Division 14, John Vanzino, also had a strong message for the Premier and her Roads Minister.
“Ignoring the impending issue of traffic congestion is not only bad policy, it’s sheer laziness on the part of the Bligh Government. It seems ridiculous that two Labor Governments are unable to sit down and work out funding for a project that will benefit both states.”
“Booming development along both sides of the border means that it’s only a matter of time before the area is permanently congested and the benefits of the Tugun bypass lost to local residents.
“We need a long term solution now, before traffic gridlock becomes a major problem again, burying the benefits of the Tugun Bypass,” said Ms Stuckey.
Division 14 candidate John Vanzino said “Denying residents an interchange is a clear case of poor community consultation resulting in bad decision making by both council and the State Government. Thousands of cars crawling along Boyd Street is simply not acceptable.”
Ms Stuckey has urged all locals to sign the petition and send a clear message to the Premier. The petition is being circulated throughout Tugun and copies are also available from Ms Stuckey’s Electorate Office until the 21st of March.