Around Our Towns March 2021

Pathways in Cooloola Cove

The Cooloola Revitalisation Project Stage 1 is well underway, connecting Cooloola Cove to Tin Can Bay with a new 2.7m wide concrete path as the old surface was deteriorating, causing concerns for users.

Cr Jess Milne reports, “I understand the asphalt surface was quite old and was breaking apart. There had been numerous concerns raised to Council regarding safety, and reports of accidents including some involving significant injuries.

“What may have looked like a nice sealed path driving past was on a rapid rate of decline, therefore its replacement was a priority. This pathway is an important connection link between Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove.”

Cr Milne says Stage 2 of the Project will see the Tin Can Bay Foreshore pathway upgraded to 3m of shared pathway where required, from Crab Creek to Norman Point, with a small boardwalk through the reserve from Viv Mason Park towards Les Lee Park.

Funding for the $3.8M project has been state funding from Building Our Regions $2,766,800, TMR Cycle Grant $150,000 and the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme $309,900 with a council contribution of $534,000.

Skate Park

The Cooloola Cove Skate Park is on track for completion, however the forecast rain may have caused delays, prior to print.

Hand sanitisers and a possible new dump point

Replacement of hand sanitisers at the Rainbow Beach Dump Point was required, after theft of the installed equipment.

There is a long-term project for the site – they are investigating the move to a more suitable location. For now, extra roadbase and a touch-free sanitiser have been installed.

Email council about Illegal camping

Despite repeated requests from RBCT, who represent the business community, and support from Cr Jess Milne, it seems the only way to gain action from Council on illegal camping is for individuals to act.

If you want to rid our towns of illegal campers, when you see an issue – please report it to Council. Email is best, but they do keep an account of every single complaint – and the number of incidences helps put this issue onto Council agendas.

Take a photo, add dates and times, visit the council website and use their email form or contact council@gympie.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 307 800.

Camping at Teewah

Teewah Cooloola Working Group held their first meeting after Covid lockdowns. Camping numbers have been reduced from February 1 at Teewah, cameras are now live and active, and infringement notices are being issued. There are plans to limit vehicle numbers from the Tewantin end, strategies continue to be discussed.

Carlo Road island for pedestrians

Works have been completed at the school ‘crossing’ on Carlo Road, including a path to Kurrawa Drive. Gympie Regional Council staff in conjunction with state government, road safety officers, liaised with the school to implement a safer crossing point for students and pedestrians.

With the help of $40,000 from the Queensland Government, council constructed traffic calming measures and a pedestrian refuge.

The budget for the project was $80,000. Hopefully the traffic island will slow down cars for our children.

These updates are thanks to Cr Jess Milne, the Rainbow Beach Commerce and Tourism and Gympie Regional Council.