Council Agrees: No Bridge!

The Gold Coast City Council adopted the Engineering Services Coommmitee recommendation against the proposed bridge at their meeting on 22nd September 2006.

The actions and support of local residents, business owners, schools, and concerned councillors have greatly assisted in bringing this issue to a sensible conclusion, maintaining the quality of life in the quiet residential community.

Report recommends against Bridge

A report entitled "Assessment of Proposal for a bridge over the Nerang River from Carrara to Benowa" prepared by Rod Grose, Manager for Transport Planning for the Gold Coast City Council.

This report was presented at the Engineering Services Committee Meeting on 12th September 2006, and strongly recommeded against the proposal.

The following recommendation was made to Council

It is recommended that Council resolves as follows:

1 That no further action be taken in relation to a bridge link from Carrara Road to Benowa Road and that residents be advised accordingly.

2 That Council officers (Manager Transport Planning) continues to liaise with the Department of Main Roads on the matter of the Ross Street/Currumburra Road/Ashmore Road intersection and advise Council when suitable proposals for improvements to that intersection have been prepared and are able to be carried forward.

The Summary from the report:

"The investigations undertaken into the merits of a bridge linking Carrara Road do not provide justification for such a bridge. The bridge would introduce major through traffic flows onto long-established lightly-trafficked residential streets (Carrara Road and Benowa Road). This is inconsistent with the concept of a planned hierarchy of roads, and incompatible with the local residential environment.

Such a bridge link would not assist with the functioning of overall arterial road network in the City. It would reduce the traffic flow on the nearby Ross Street Bridge, which has been recently duplicated in recognition of its role in the road network. Other planned arterial road linkages such as the Intra Regional Transport Corridor will provide additional north-south road capacity, including additional road capacity across the Nerang River, as part of a planned metropolitan road network. That corridor exists in State ownership and the SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Program identifies the funding necessary for its staged construction over the coming years.

There are some growing operational traffic issues at the Ross Street / Currumburra Road / Ashmore Road intersection, which have been the subject of a recent consultancy initiated by Main Roads. Main Roads and Council need to work together to determine how to progress improvements to this intersection."

Report on Bridge to Go Ahead

At the Gold Coast City Council meeting on the 27th February 2006 the following motion was carried:

That Committee Recommendation ES06.0214.012 be adopted with an amendment such that it reads as follows:

“That the Manager Transportation Planning provide a report to Engineering Services to allow for consideration in this year’s budgetary process, that investigates the cost, the traffic and access benefits and timely implementation of a new bridge across the Nerang River at Carrara Road, Carrara, linking up with Benowa Road, with such report to include a comparison of costs and benefits in upgrading the Ross Street, Currumburra Road andAshmore Road roundabout.”

Letter to all Councillors

Dear Councillors

I am writing to you in regard to the proposal for a bridge between Benowa Road and Carrara Rd put forward by Councillor La Castra at the last Engineering Services Committee meeting.

I understand the recommendation from the Engineering Services Committee in this regards will be presented at the next council meeting on 27th January for ratification. I strongly urge you to reject this recommendation for a number of reasons as detailed below.

The recommendation to be put to council is

"That the Manager Transportation Planning provide a report to Engineering Services to allow for consideration in this year's budgetary process, that investigates the cost, the traffic and access benefits and timely implementation of a new bridge across the Nerang River at Carrara Road, Carrara, linking up with the Nerang-Broadbeach Road."

From discussions with Councillor Power I understand Strategic Planning Committee is reviewing transport strategy for the city. I am sure you would agree that a strategic city wide approach must be taken for urban planning and traffic management. I am therefore extremely alarmed by what appears to be an adhoc approach to attempting to solve traffic issues independent of this review which will have major repercussions across the city, without a full assessment or community consultation.


1. Long term traffic issues should be addressed with an integrated city wide traffic management plan, not by apparently adhoc proposals for the construction of a particular bridge.

2. The recommendation as proposed will not lead to a meaningful report as it does not call for a investigation of all the important issues.

The current motion directs the Manager Transport Planning only to investigate cost, traffic and access benefits and timely implementation. He is only to investigate benefits, not any negative impact on the community. To give a full picture issues including those below must be considered.
environmental impact
noise
impact on property values and quality of life
compensation to affected property owners impact on access to properties and other roads
pedestrian safety particularly for children and schools,
loss of amenities and open space, including loss of 2 parks, boat launching ramp, restrictions to the water-ski area
provision of replacements for these amenities nearby
impact of changed traffic flow on other areas
consideration as a part of overall city future traffic management strategy
other alternatives to alleviate future traffic issues
3. There is no immediate urgency for additional major road works and additional budget expenditure given the current projects underway.

The redevelopment of Broadbeach Nerang Road and and the Ross Street Bridge (1 minute by car from the proposed bridge), although not complete, has already had a major affect in improving traffic flow.

The Surfers Paradise road redevelopment will also ease pressure in other areas as traffic flow improves along the Gold Coast Highway.

4. Proposals such as this should not be considered until improvements to existing traffic arteries are exhausted as it will cause major disruption and long term negative impacts on quite residential communities.

Many other future traffic management options are available that do not have such such a major impact on the community and character of the city

The creation of a new major traffic route through the city will have a major impact on the residential amenity over a large area. The proposal for an investigation even now is having an adverse effect on property values and causing considerable anxiety in the community.

I urge you to reject this recommendation and maintain the urban character and quality of life for the city's residents through sensible long term planning in consultation with the community.

yours sincerely

Bruce Satchwell

Open Letter to Schools

Open Letter to:

St Kevin’s P & F
Bellevue Primary P & C
Benowa Primary P & C
Benowa Children’s Centre
Benowa High P& C
Merry Land Gardens Child Centre

I am writing to you, as I believe that you as respective chairpersons of the named organizations are in the best positions and would have the most concern over the matters that I am about to outline.

You may already be aware by virtue of media coverage that a meeting was held by some 200 concerned local residents of Benowa Waters about the proposed study into a bridge that would cross the Nerang river from Benowa Road on the North to Carrara Street on the South.

This proposal has raised its head twice before since I moved here in 1980 when Benowa Road south of Ashmore Road consisted of five houses.

With a new bridge crossing at Benowa Road and Carrara Street Benowa Road would then take on the same roll as Bundall Road and Ross Street a through street for all traffic both heavy and light (car and truck).

Channel 9 Gold Coast News this evening referred to a four-lane bridge and heavy traffic.

The changes to Benowa Road over its entire length would I believe be dramatic and it would take on the mantel of Bundall Road and or Ross Street in it’s traffic volume.

The very idea of directing heavy traffic past schools is to my way of thinking totally abhorrent and completely foolish. Traffic should be directed away from not towards schools and young lives.

I and I hope as many as possible will be attending the next council meeting on Monday the 27^th at Evandale at which time the proposal for the study is being put forward.

I would like to direct you to our site at http://crabbag.blogspot.com

Thank You,

Chris Yates

Jp Qual

Open letter from Benowa Waters Resident Chris Yates

Open Letter to:

Residents of Benowa Road / Carrara Street

Bundall Road – Bermuda Street:

Ross Street – Currumburra Road:

Benowa Road – Carrara Street:

History Repeating?

In the mid 70’s Bundall Road was just a quiet road coming from Southport running down to the river at Sorrento. On the other side of the river was Bermuda Street another quiet little street running down to the river at Sorrento.

Then they built a bridge.

Traffic got so heavy that it came to a virtual standstill so in the early 80’s.

Lets add two more lanes to fix the problem.

Now it’s a four-lane bridge.

Traffic got so heavy on Bundall Road by the early 90’s that it again came to a virtual standstill.

Lets build another bridge.

Away from residents so no one can object. Ross Street looks good there is only a golf course there.

Traffic on Ross Street got so heavy by the late 90’s that it came to a virtual standstill and traffic on Bundall Road was also still at a virtual standstill.

Lets add two more lanes to fix the problem.

Now it’s a four-lane bridge.

By the middle 2000’s traffic on Ross Streets four lane bridge and Bundall Roads four-lane bridge was now so heavy that it again came to a virtual standstill.

Lets build another bridge.

Benowa Road to Carrara Street there used to be a ferry there.

We will build a four-lane bridge right from the start. THAT WILL FIX IT!

What is the alternative?

The cost of another bridge some 18 million dollars could go a long way to finding and starting the development of an alternative.

What happened to the light rail? Constructed properly an incredibly efficient people mover that creates revenue.

The time frame between new bridges has diminished and will continue to diminish as the population of the Gold Coast increases at an alarming rate.

Cars are removed from the roads reducing pollution and future traffic problems are removed or at least diminished.

Bridges don’t create revenue they just get clogged with traffic.

Long-term jobs provided are provided within the light rail system.

Another tourist attraction and with it’s flow on benefit is created. Most importantly a visionary development that will have long-term unaccountable benefits will have been created.

BUT WHAT DO I KNOW I AM JUST A RATE PAYER.

GC Bulletin: Residents say no to bridge report

Residents say no to bridge report
Gold Coast Bulletin 20 Feb 06

IRATE residents of a multi-million-dollar riverfront enclave vow to bombard councillor Bob La Castra with mobile phone calls over a plan to build a bridge linking Benowa and Carrara.

Many of the waterfront mansions could be resumed and homeowners fear the quiet streets of Benowa Waters could become as busy as Bundall Road if the proposal goes ahead.

Cr La Castra wants a report into another Nerang River crossing linking Carrara and Benowa roads.

At an impassioned meeting yesterday, residents said a bridge and upgraded road would destroy Benowa's appeal and create hazards for schools dotted along the road.

Area councillor Susie Douglas and colleague Eddy Sarroff implored residents to lobby city hall to 'knock on the head' a recommendation for a consultant's report into the crossing.

They also told residents to ring Cr La Castra on his mobile and express their concerns.

Cr La Castra accused his renegade colleagues of whipping up 'mass hysteria' over the feasibility report. He said it was premature to marshal community dissent when the council was only considering a report on whether a bridge would be successful.

"The report might come back and give 101 reasons why it should or should not go ahead," he said.

"If we don't at least consider it, it's an abrogation of our role as councillors."

However, councillors Douglas and Sarroff said a report alone would set the bridge in motion. They feared it would help Cr La Castra garner the necessary support for the crossing in city hall.

Cr Douglas estimated about 200 people attended the rally.

"This bridge, linking Carrara Rd with Benowa Rd, goes right through an area where people have saved their whole lives to buy," she said.

"Cr La Castra has told me people in his division aren't happy with Ross St. I think Ross St is working very well."

The $15 million duplication of the Ross St bridge was completed in mid 2005, and a further $18 million will be spent upgrading the connecting Nerang-Broadbeach Rd.

Cr Douglas said she believed the council would have to resume many of the million-dollar waterfront homes because of the likely need to make the new road into four lanes.

"Apparently the cost of just putting the bridge across is $15 million," she said.

Rally speakers said drivers were lazy if they did not use nearby Bundall Rd or Ross St routes.

James Hatcher's house would likely be a casualty of any bridge.

Mr Hatcher said his family had lived in the house for four years, and had built a strong emotional bond to the riverfront address.

He said the safety of students at four schools and a preschool along Benowa Rd would be compromised if traffic increased.

"He's (Cr La Castra) putting children at risk with his proposal," he said.

Mr Hatcher's concerns were mirrored by St Kevin's Primary School teaching staff, who wrote to the council with concerns about Benowa Rd becoming busier.

Big Turnout to First Bridge Meeting

More than 300 people gathered at Kelly Park Benowa to hear about a proposal to build a bridge across the Nerang River between the end of Benowa Road and Carrara Road.

The meeting was addressed by Councillor Susie Douglas, Councillor Eddie Sarroff, and local residents Robert Marks from Carrara, Bruce Satchwell from Carrara, and Chris Yates and James Hatcher from Benowa.

There was overwhelming opposition to the proposal put forward by Councillor Bob La Castra at the the Council Engineering Services Committee Meeting on 14th February.

A petition is being circulated opposing the proposal and may be signed at Ray White Benowa office in the Benowa Shopping Centre

Residents are urged to attend the next Council meeting to show their concern on Monday 27th February at the Council Chambers Evandale at 1.00pm

Satellite Photo of Proposed Bridge Site

Map showing proposed bridge site between Benowa Rd and Carrara Rd

PROPOSED BRIDGE BENOWA ROAD TO CARRARA STREET? WHY?

1. Broadbeach Nerang Road (Old Road) would be a t-junction with a right and left turn only. If the idea was for local traffic only it would only be a matter of days before this river crossing was used as a new Ross Street and the quiet streets on the south of the river would be flooded with traffic searching for a way to join the major roads because of the t-junction created as outlined in this point and point 2.

2. Broadbeach Nerang Road new road would be a t-junction. There is no chance of a through road with a lake in the way. Why make a t-junction in a new, four lane through road?

3. If the idea is to lessen the traffic on Ross Street and make Benowa Road a new Currumbura Road the idea is crazy.

4. There are four schools whos pupils use/cross Benowa Road. a) Belview Park b) St Kevins c) Benowa High School d) Benowa State School. Traffic should be diverted away from schools, not towards them.

5. Traffic would increase dramatically if Benowa Road were to become a new Nerang River crossing. As an example, look at the traffic flow of Currumburra Road and Ross Street, particularly at school start and finish times which are the same as with work traffic times.

6. Every parent with children attending these four named schools should be informed of the increased risk to their children. Parents with children should be lobbied to voice their objections to this proposal.

Gold Coast City Councillors Contact Details

Susie Douglas Ph 5581 6760
email rgoldstone@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Bob La Castra Ph 5582 8206
Mobile 0414 180 008
email gporter@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Eddie Sarroff Ph 5581 6171
Mobile 0414 180 926
email roatridge@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Ron Clarke Ph 5581 5284
email mayor@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Gold Coast City Council Manager Transport Planning

Mr Rodney Grose Ph 5582 8489

First Bridge Information Meeting Announced

On Thursday 17th February 2006 the following notice was delivered by mail box drop to residents in Carrara and Benowa

Council Investigating Bridge Construction

Dear Neighbour

You should be aware that Council is considering constructing a bridge across the river from Benowa Road to Carrara Road.

Your local councillor Susie Douglas is very concerned about the isuue. Ring her on 5581 6760 or you may wish to call councillor Bob La Castra who has put the idea forward 5582 8206

Concerned residents meet at Kelly Park (cnr Benowa Rd / Sir Bruce Small Blvd) on Sunday 9.30 AM 19th February to meet Susie Douglas

Gold Coast City Council Engineering Services Committee Motion

Gold Coast City Council
Engineering Services Committee Meeting 14th February 2006 MINUTES

ITEM 12
PROPOSED BRIDGE ACROSS NERANG RIVER AT CARRARA ROAD, CARRARA, LINKING UP WITH NERANG BROADBEACH ROAD
RD108300/16/-(P1)

Councillor La Castra tabled a motion requesting that a consultant be engaged immediately to provide a report to Council, to allow for consideration in this year's budgetary process, that investigates the cost, the traffic and access benefits and timely implementation of a new bridge across the Nerang River at Carrara Road, Carrara, linking up with the Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION ES06.0214.012
moved Cr Shepherd, seconded Cr Crichlow

That the Manager Transportation Planning provide a report to Engineering Services to allow for consideration in this year's budgetary process, that investigates the cost, the traffic and access benefits and timely implementation of a new bridge across the Nerang River at Carrara Road, Carrara, linking up with the Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

CARRIED

Carrara Road and Benowa Bridge Action Group

CRABBAG