Approval ProcessResponse by Desley BoyleThe following reply was received on 3rd August (nearly two month later): Dear Mr Freitag Thank you for your email of 25 June 12 January 2006 regarding the proposed upgrade of the Kuranda Range Road including the letter regarding this matter, you submitted at the Ministerial Regional Community Forum – Far North Queensland, which was held in Cairns on 19 June 2006. I also note the attached, and the sproposal for a Southern Rail Tunnel. The Kuranda Range Road upgrade is essential in the short to medium term to achieve the preferred settlement pattern outcomes of the Far North Queensland (FNQ) Regional Plan. The proposed upgrade is a major initiative for the region and has my full support. I note a number of issues you suggest for consideration in the review of the FNQ Regional Plan. A review of the Regional Structure Plan commencing in the near future will focus on refining and clarifying urban development sequencing taking into account, among other matters, the recent outcomes of the detailed planning study for Myola and studies on the Kuranda Range Road upgrade. However, the review will not revisit the strategic directions and planning concepts which underpin the FNQ Regional Plan, including upgrading Kuranda Range Road. As advised at the Ministerial Regional Community Forum, in Cairns, the FNQ Regional Plan was developed in partnership with all levels of Government together with a range of key community sector groups. The process also involved considerable public consultation and negotiation with stakeholder groups in the region. I have referred your concerns regarding the impacts of the proposed upgrade, and your proposal for a Southern Rail Tunnel to my Cabinet Colleague the Honourable Paul Lucas MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads for consideration and direct response to you. Yours sincerely Desley Boyle MP We note: |