An almost $600,000 major upgrade to the footpaths and kerb in a busy area in the central business district has started.
Townsville City Council crews are completing the upgrades along Thorpe Street, Wickham Street and Melton Terrace.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said the project would improve the stormwater drainage and pedestrian access to the area.
“Kerb and channel upgrades are an important part of improving our transport networks and our stormwater systems,” Cr Molachino said.
“Our Council crews will be completing this project over the coming months and we’ve combined the works to get this done in one go.
“There will be traffic management in place throughout the project and there may be some road closures while machinery operates in the area.”
The project secured $547,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the CBD upgrade was exactly the type of project the Works for Queensland program was designed to help councils deliver.
“The $600 million program has been an enormous success right across regional Queensland, creating jobs and making a big difference to communities,” Mr Stewart said
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Townsville City Council had received more than $69.6 million to help deliver 96 projects, which had already created or supported 1,358 local jobs.
“Additionally, the council has just been allocated a further $13.54 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program to help support the community during these difficult times.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the project would improve the amenity in the area and make it easier for residents and visitors to access.
“The Strand has always been a popular destination for residents and visitors, these upgrades will ensure that this end of the city can keep up with the foot traffic and ensure our stormwater systems are working efficiently,” Cr Greaney said.
“I’d like to thank residents for their patience as the Council staff complete this work.”
The project will require the removal of two trees which has been approved by the Department of Environment and Science and is expected to take 12 weeks to complete – weather and conditions permitting.
