Page 108 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 February 2010
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the Assembly agreed to a motion that was put forward by Mr Coe and amended by Ms Le Couteur.
That motion did call on the government to abandon the current proposed alignment of the road in favour of a new eastern alignment. In response to that motion, the alternative eastern alignment adjacent to Sullivans Creek was further investigated by the ACT Planning and Land Authority and by the Department of Territory and Municipal Services. These investigations found that the suggested realignment would add significantly to the cost of the road and result in a less efficient traffic outcome. As I said this morning, Madam Deputy Speaker, to realign the road would cost ACT taxpayers about an extra $5 million and take an extra 18 months to construct. This delay would severely compromise the government’s residential land release in Gungahlin in the short to medium term.
The investigation by the departments found that there were a number of problems with the proposed realignment adjacent to Sullivans Creek. The ground next to the creek has been considered by road engineers, people whose job it is to be making these sorts of recommendations—not members of the Assembly. With the greatest of respect to all of us, I do not think there is a road engineer amongst us. The ground next to the creek is considered by engineers as not suitable for road construction.
The alluvial soil would need be to be removed and be replaced. I am advised, Madam Deputy Speaker, that this would be a lengthy and expensive procedure. Further, the road would also need to be built at a higher level to prevent inundation from Sullivans Creek during flooding. The side of the road would also require protection against flood waters to prevent it from washing away. Finally, an alternative eastern alignment would require the relocation of the intersection of Well Station Drive and Horse Park Drive.
For this to occur, the existing bridge over Sullivans Creek would need to be widened to incorporate turning lanes into Throsby and into Well Station Drive. There is also the possibility, I am advised, that if the bridge is not structurally capable of being widened, it would need to be replaced. All of these factors combine to add significantly to the costs.
In light of this information and following extensive discussions between my office and that of Ms Le Couteur, the Greens party reached the same conclusion as the government—that such an investment in a realignment does not represent the best use of taxpayer dollars. As I said this morning—and I repeat now—the concerns of residents opposed to the realignment have been listened to. ACTPLA have organised information newsletters. They have attended the Gungahlin Community Council on 11 November last year and responded to residents’ concerns. Senior government officials, including the Director of Roads ACT, met with residents on the site.
These officials were able to confirm that all the relevant design and construction standards for the new road would be met and that issues such as noise and traffic safety will receive thorough attention and have received thorough attention in the road design. An independent road safety audit has been undertaken on the road design, and the final design meets all required standards and specifications.
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