Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters will visit Toowoomba today to meet with local residents and concerned community members opposing the Toowoomba North-South Transport Corridor.
The Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor proposes a transport route that will have adverse impacts on residents, on endangered wildlife, on First Nations heritage sites and on the environment generally.
Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters said:
“We’re in the middle of a climate and an extinction emergency and yet federal, state and local governments keep bulldozing areas of significant environmental importance.
“The Queensland government has said that the corridor is necessary to future-proof Toowoomba’s transport needs. Why is it that for the big parties the only solution to transport needs is yet another road?
“Toowoomba, like all regional Queensland cities, is crying out for a modern, frequent, accessible and affordable public transport network. Instead the government proposes yet another road, which will have adverse impacts on residents, on endangered wildlife, on First Nations heritage sites.
“The sacred site of Gummingurru was used for male initiation rituals until the 1800s when the Aboriginal people who lived in this area were forcibly relocated. It was handed back to its traditional owners, the Jarowair people, in 2000, but they’ve had no consultation about a giant road running alongside the site.
“Community members are clearly against this project, and yet, it was only after a huge outcry from local residents and conservation groups, that the minuscule two-week public consultation period was extended.
“Queenslanders are growing tired of Labor’s outdated policy solutions. With 32% of 18-34 year-old Queensland voters listing the Greens as their first preference, if in balance of power the Greens will make sure the next Queensland Government plans for more livable and connected communities, while looking after our natural environment.”