Douglas residents can look forward to new pathways along Angus Smith Drive with a project to replace the existing pathways finished this week.
The projects have secured more than $165,000 in funding from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program and is being delivered by local contractors.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said ensuring Townsville’s pathways are in good condition was important for accessibility and liveability across the city.
“It’s important that Council continues to upgrade the transport network across the city to improve the accessibility to high traffic areas like JCU and the hospital,” Cr Molachino said.
“These pathway upgrades were completed at the same time by a local contractor so we could get the paths reopened as soon as possible for the community.”
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said this pathway upgrade was another example of Works for Queensland benefiting the community.
“The $600 million program has provided significant benefit to regional Queensland by creating jobs and supporting the construction and upgrade of important infrastructure.”
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 Suzy Batkovic said these projects would benefit anyone using Angus Smith Drive to access both the university and the hospital.
“We have a lot of residents living and staying in this area that rely on Angus Smith Drive to get to James Cook University and the hospital so it’s important these footpaths are in good condition,” Cr Batkovic said.
“I’m thrilled these projects will be finished this, in time for the university semester to start back up and have them accessible to all residents.”
