A proposal to spend $107 million on a two-lane Tiaro Bypass shows a lack of foresight, responsibility and regard for road safety by the Queensland Labor Government, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said today.

“This design replicates the type of road that is currently killing Queenslanders,” Mr O’Brien said.

“From an economic perspective there will be a minor benefit for the region, but the current two-lane design with no dividing barrier doesn’t meet the highest possible road safety design standards and will present a high risk to motorists from the day that it is opened.

“This road also does not meet community expectations. A four-lane divided highway with a concrete barrier between opposing directions of high-speed traffic would ensure the highest possible standards in road design and keep all road users safe from deadly high impact head-on collisions.”

The Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads sought feedback from the Tiaro community about the possibility of bypassing Tiaro and established a working group with community representatives.

However, Mr O’Brien said the community consultation was inadequate.

“I will be working with the Tiaro community to ensure their voices are heard and the two-lane bypass does not end up as a death trap,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I conveyed my concerns to the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, and he responded confirming that the Queensland Government was responsible for preparing the two-lane proposal.”

Mr McCormack’s letter notes that the Queensland Government assessed the four-lane option, but decided it against it claiming it was too expensive.

“It’s now up to the State Government to reveal these costings and indicate whether lives or costs should come first,” Mr O’Brien said.

“If the Queensland Government agrees with my assessment that the two-lane proposal is fatally flawed then they should immediately abandon it and bring forward a plan for four lanes.”