Streetscapes, footpaths and more under scrutiny for “Our Towns”

Gympie Regional Council are developing concept plans which will guide future streetscape and public improvements in Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove.

Council’s ‘Our Towns’ Sustainable Centres Program, which is intended to improve the sustainability of the region’s rural and coastal communities, is also underway in Goomeri.

The scope of possible improvements includes elements such as streetscape works, pedestrian pathways, new street furniture, landscape design and street tree planting, enhanced entry statements and public art.

The project is welcomed by local business owners and community members and main feedback to the RBCCCN was a better road through Cooloola Cove.

Pamela Graham said the Cooloola Coast Residents and Friends Inc (CCRFI) are working to improve safety, and request warning signs and lighting where Endeavour Road narrows, notices of reduction in speed approaching Scullett Dr and Gympie/Bayside Rd, and consideration of a roundabout.

Cameron Henderson, President of the Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism said, “Certainly curbing and pathways are viewed as urgent by many residents and ratepayers. The chamber believes that the completion of this project should be an urgent one.

“The entrances  to Cooloola Cove, especially along Bayside road and also from the Rainbow Beach road should both be cleaned up with permanent enhancements/beautification.”

Enhancing options for active transport, activities for youth and tourism was also a priority.

Mr Henderson stated, “The recent upgrades to the walking/cycling path and, when complete, the widening of the paths will make them safer.”

CCRFI want to see more footpaths too, with bridges over creeks to extend these footpaths (Investigator Avenue first), street lighting in specified places and benches on longer pathways, e.g. Tin Can Bay to Cooloola Cove.

Melanie May from Tin Can Bay Tourist Park said the focus could be to ” Finish the pathways along the foreshore, (and) more areas for us to sit and enjoy the foreshore.  (I) love the idea of public artwork and landscape design… Don’t lose our sleepy little fishing town feel, but brighten the town up and add more character.”

Mr Henderson agreed that artwork or murals be incorporated into the pathways as talking points. “These could spread from Tin Can to Cooloola Cove.”

CCRFI requests more picnic shelters, BBQ in Billabong Park, skateboard/bike area, basketball, netball practice posts, volleyball, etc. in parks.

Other issues already raised included a public toilet for the main shopping area in Tin Can Bay, Foreshore preservation plan and cleanup, a jetty, more tourism/information signage, bus shelters in specified places initially top of Investigator Ave, corner of Rainbow Beach Rd and Queen Elizabeth Drive, and rubbish bins beside all bus shelters.

Council recognises that the network of rural and coastal communities provide important economic support and employment to residents, attract visitors and offer lifestyle choice in the region

Gympie Regional Council Mayor, Mick Curran, said, “The projects set out to provide an overall direction to protect and enhance the existing character and amenity of the townships and identify opportunities for improvements in the public realm.

“Council are committed to delivering targeted urban design improvements to enhance amenity, sense of place and visitor attraction in our townships, and these three townships are the next in line under the successful program, which has already been undertaken and is delivering improvements for Kilkivan, Kandanga, Amamoor and Gunalda.”

Major Projects and Business Activities Portfolio Councillor Mark McDonald said “New concept plans will be developed in consultation with the local communities and identify priorities for progressive improvement that can be delivered over time.

“We want local communities to get involved and have their say in shaping the future look and feel of their townships.”

Council’s staff, officers and design consultants from PLACE Design Group, will be hosting two public information display sessions on Saturday July 25:

Cooloola Cove: 9am to 12 noon, venue to be confirmed

Tin Can Bay: 1pm – 4pm, Tin Can Bay RSL Hall, 45 Tin Can Bay Road.
Look out for feedback forms: gympie.qld.gov.au/our-towns