Traffic

MCU12/0184  -  Traffic Issues                                                                          16 June 2014

The present design and condition of the proposed haul route roads are unsuitable for the volume and type of vehicle traffic that would be generated by the integrated avocado and meat poultry operations. The introduction of regular and, at times, frequent B-double and semi-trailer vehicles to these roads would:
increase road safety risks for all road users
adversely affect residents’ amenity
impose significant road upgrade and maintenance costs on ratepayers.

Operational Vehicle Requirements
Since November 2012, the applicant’s various submissions have underestimated the vehicle requirements of the avocado and meat poultry operations. Ingham’s Enterprises, rather than the applicant, will determine the number, type and schedule of vehicles needed for feed and chick deliveries, and mature bird pick-ups.

MWA’s claim that there will be no traffic associated with the poultry operations for 30 days of every batch cycle ignores the daily impact of maximum vehicle numbers during weeks 5 to 8.

The validity of the applicant’s ‘traffic survey’ of Top Forestry Rd from 7-21 March 2014 is questionable as it was not conducted by an independent authority, and the data was open to manipulation and misuse. Also questionable is the propriety and legality of the applicant’s collection of  information about residents and use of public land for the installation of recording equipment  This unauthorised ‘surveillance’ was perceived as intrusive and intimidating.

Road Use
The Belli Creek Rd section of the haul route is part of an established cyclist training and event circuit. New road rules (April 2014) require 1.5metres clearance when overtaking cyclists on 60+ kph roads, while permitting drivers to cross unbroken centre lines and cyclists to ride two abreast. Introducing heavy vehicle use in these circumstances increases safety risks for cyclists and motorists given the road’s narrow lanes and shoulders, unsigned concealed entrances, poor sightlines and 80kph speed limit.

The primary function of Crystal St and Top Forestry Rd is residential property access. Use by farm-generated traffic, especially B-doubles and semi-trailers, effectively would turn these roads into commercial trucking routes. The noise, dust, odour and vibrations associated with day and night heavy vehicle traffic would have negative impacts on residents’ quality of life and property values.

There is rarely any traffic on Top Forestry Rd between 11pm and 5am. Of the 31 properties accessed via Top Forestry Rd, 27 are residential and have no alternative access. The only commercially productive agricultural property is the applicant’s avocado farm which includes an occupied dwelling.

Top Forestry Rd residents do not have access to town water and face the prospect of rainwater supplies being contaminated by road dust and the emissions from farm generated vehicles and loads.

Road Design and Conditions
The Crystal St/Maple St roundabout and adjacent centre islands are not designed for heavy vehicle encroachment; neither is the centre  island outside the Noosa Christian College. Pedestrians, including students, use these structures when crossing Maple St and accessing the nearby bus stops.

The T-intersections at Belli Creek Rd/Old Ceylon Rd and Old Ceylon Rd/Top Forestry Rd are difficult to negotiate, particularly when making right hand turns. These sites have narrow lanes, poor surfaces and obscured sightlines, while the three roads have an 80kph speed limit. Given the road conditions and the turning/sweep path of heavy vehicle cabs and trailers, there is considerable potential for accidents and the obstruction of other vehicles.