Tugun Bypass

The proposed Tugun Bypass is a controversial road development that is being opposed by the local community group the Tugun Cobaki Alliance.

"In late February 2006 the Federal Government signed off final approval of the destructive route of a 6-lane motorway over a significant Aboriginal campsite and internationally significant wetland complex, without even so much as a condition to monitor Aboriginal heritage impacts on a site of very high known cultural value. This was despite the lack of consent by Traditional Owners, and findings by the NSW Environment Dept that breaches of Aboriginal Heritage legislation had already occurred." [1]

"On 22 March 2006 the community group, Tugun Cobaki Alliance Inc commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court challenging the decision by the Minister for Planning to approve the construction of the Tugun Bypass between Currumbin and Tweed Heads as a major project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). ... This case is the first challenge to an approval made under Part 3A of the EP&A Act. " [2]

"A small but vocal protest was held outside the Gold Coast Airport on Saturday 17th June 2006 to inform the public of the enormous loss of biodiversity and unique Aboriginal cultural heritage that would result from the construction of this road. Protesters included environmentalists from both sides of the border, as well as people from the community who are appalled at the disproportionate cost ($530 million for 7 km of road) and the rejection by Queensland Main Roads of the less destructive and less costly alternatives - upgrade of the Gold Coast Highway and diversion of heavy traffic to existing western routes." [3]

Related SourceWatch articles

• Tugun desalination plant

External links

• Annon, "Tugun Bypass", The Big Scrub Environment Centre, Accessed July 2006.
• "Residents take legal action over Tugun bypass", ABC Online News, 13 April 2006.
• Rose Adams, "Tugun Bypass C4 route update", Tugun Cobaki Alliance Press Release, Accessed July 2006.
• Annon, "Tugun Cobaki Alliance Inc. v Minister for Planning and Roads and Traffic Authority; Land and Environment Court Proceedings No. 40227 of 2006", Environmental Defender's Office (New South Wales), Accessed July 2006.