Central Queensland Showcase
Yeppoon Western Bypass Road
- Background
- What is different about this case study that shows how government, industry and communities can better engage with each other?
- What are the key outcomes of the case study for government, industry and community?
- What are the key learnings/insights about community engagement?
- What will sustain community engagement into the future in this case study?
- Have you got the support of others involved to publish this case study?
- Contact person
Background
Livingstone Shire Council, in cooperation with the Department of Main Roads and Queensland Transport, identified the need to analyse the impact of heavy vehicles in the Yeppoon Area, particularly Anzac Parade in the popular oceanfront area. Special consideration was given to the effect of logging and pineapple cartage trucks on the tourism industry and the general Yeppoon community.
This planning project included:
- identification of sensitive and future land uses
- identification of populations near existing and proposed heavy routes
- development of assessment criteria and a methodology to determine future routes and operations.
Following considerable planning over a 12-month period, Livingstone Shire Council and Main Roads proposed a joint construction package for the Yeppoon Western Bypass Road (YWBR). The proposal involved the construction of a new heavy vehicle bypass, which when built will be a state-controlled road. It also included a demaining agreement which would see parts of the current state-controlled road network being handed back to Livingstone Shire Council.
The construction package proposed in the draft agreement included construction of YWBR from the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road to the Yeppoon-Byfield Road/Woodbury Road intersection and upgrading of Tanby Road.
The draft package included demaining of the Yeppoon-Byfield link from the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection to the Woodbury Road intersection and demaining of the Scenic Highway (Yeppoon-Emu Park Road).
Planning for the YWBR involved key stakeholders (local government, state government, industry) in identifying a number of transport options and freight solutions for the future. State agency town planning staff assisted in compiling an integrated development plan for the area to reduce the impacts of uncoordinated development. Stakeholders identified, and agreed on, other benefits for the longer-term viability of local industries (for example, fruit, forestry, bulk hauliers).
By ensuring the various stakeholders, including private, community, government and semi-government stakeholders, all worked together towards an agreed goal, and a successful outcome was achieved.
Considerable effort was made by Livingstone Shire Council/staff and Main Roads to develop a model to deliver outcomes for both of these organisations and the community.
Engagement techniques included: analysing existing studies and reports; face-to-face meetings with key industries and their transport contractors who had major involvement in the movement of heavy vehicles; face-to-face meetings with state government agencies responsible for the regulation of or with an interest in movement of heavy vehicles and the movement of dangerous goods. This included Queensland Transport, Department of Main Roads. Other meetings were also held with various key stakeholders as agreed with the Project Manager.
Various engagement activities were conducted including mailouts, public meetings, personal chats, stakeholder meetings, government consultations, private consultancies and so on.
What is different about this case study that shows how government, industry and communities can better engage with each other?
The engagement for this project was continuous with ongoing relationships developed, both formally and informally. One issue that helped make the engagement process a success was having clear accountabilities. Council, Queensland Transport and Main Roads all brought different skills, knowledge and personalities to the planning table.
This created a dynamic environment where planning and community issues were considered from various perspectives.
What are the key outcomes of the case study for government, industry and community?
A direct result of this planning project has been the close relationships developed between Main Roads, Queensland Transport and Livingstone Shire Council/staff. These relationships with key council personnel will allow future multi-level government issues to be progressed in the same spirit as the YWBR project.
All parties recognise the successful community engagement component of this project. This is illustrated by the fact that this project formed part of a 2003 Premier's Excellence Award submission which was a finalist in the community engagement category.
What are the key learnings/insights about community engagement?
If we had to do the planning over again, one improvement could be the preparation of a formal communication plan, which would list the parameters of the consultation, including the negotiable and non-negotiable areas. In addition, a smaller key stakeholder representative committee could have been established to provide a reference group function to inform engagement activities and provide feedback to the Project Manager.
What will sustain community engagement into the future in this case study?
A continuation of the current open and effective communication channels will keep all stakeholders engaged in this process. The engagement activities that have taken place to date have established a platform from which new and improved decision-making processes can be launched. In short, there is greater trust between stakeholders from various arenas and local and state governments. This engagement process has helped local and state governments to work proactively with the major stakeholders and general community in order to meet the project's desired outcomes and secure major funding from the Queensland State Government. The $26 million commitment from the Beattie Government is testament to the innovative and dedicated process developed by Main Roads, Queensland Transport and Livingstone Shire Council.
Have you got the support of others involved to publish this case study?
Approval for publication will be supplied at a later date.
Contact person
Mal Hellmuth
Department of Main Roads
Email: malcolm.b.hellmuth@mainroads.qld.gov.au
Telephone: (07) 4931 1649
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