YADCA is calling for an independent Traffic Impact Assessment of the proposed service station development in Yandina, claiming that the developer is downplaying traffic volume around the site.
YADCA Vice President Marie Reeve said that inappropriate data and incorrect assertions have been used in a traffic study, commissioned by the developer, to argue that a Traffic Impact Assessment of the area is not required at all.
“It is unfortunate that it is up to the applicant (developer) to provide evidence about the impacts of the proposed development when they clearly have a vested interest in the outcome,” she said.
“The onus is on SARA (State Assessment and Referral Agency) to be rigorous in its appraisal of the applicant’s evidence. But it appears SARA has accepted this argument, as the applicant has not been asked to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment.”
Marie said the applicant’s traffic report for Yandina is inaccurate and misleading as it relies on:
- Data gathered in 2019 recording activity between Steggalls Road and Fairhill Road — an area north of the town that does not accurately reflect traffic using the intersection of Stevens and Farrell streets.
- An inaccurate claim that there are parking bays on both sides of Stevens Street which would allow a vehicle to do a left turn past a stopped right turning vehicle at the intersection.
“We need a Traffic Impact Assessment that looks at the number, type and length of vehicles that will use Farrell and Stevens Street near the site. This includes trailers, horse floats and heavy vehicles,” Marie said. She has outlined her concerns in a letter to SARA, the Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton, and Council.
YADCA President Nigel Anns has also written to Rob Skelton, arguing that community groups like YADCA should not have to plead with a state government department to do their job.
“Traffic in our town has increased as we have experienced huge growth recently. Surely the fact that the developer is being allowed to get away with using statistics from two years ago and from a different location should matter a great deal to the government.
“The developer should be compelled to report accurately on traffic in the affected area,” he said.
