Goss drops freeway publicity

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- The Goss government has shelved plans for early public consultation in planning Brisbane's next major freeway.

Publication of a map showing the likely route of the $1 billion freeway around the city's western outskirts, establishment of an inquiries hot line to answer public queries and meetings with community groups have all been dropped.

The future of the road, known as the Western Bypass, is instead being considered within a cabinet committee, with public consultation being undertaken much closer to construction.

Documents published in the November 12 Australian reveal that the government was worried that release of new freeway plans would intensify public outrage at recent highway developments in the inner city and to the Gold Coast.

The new highway reportedly could harm wildlife and infringe on the Brisbane Forest Park environmental reserve.

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