Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will begin construction on an upgrade to the Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout on Friday 19 June 2020.
TRC Environment and Community Services Portfolio Leader, Cr Tim McMahon said the new lookout would replace the 'Bob Dodd' lookout that was removed in 2016 due to safety concerns.
"The upgrade works will include a new lookout with connecting paths and surrounded by soft landscaping," Cr McMahon said.
"There will also be new footpaths and street furniture that will provide additional lookout options.
"The concept designs for the new lookout came from an ideas competition run by Council in July 2017 that invited entrants to provide ideas for a new iconic lookout for the site.
"Entrants were to provide opportunities to take in the scenic views, to consider how the lookout linked to other park areas, to create different viewing opportunities and to produce an iconic Toowoomba landmark.
"The winning design creates an unroofed viewing platform and walkway that provides spectacular views of Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley.
"Tobruk Memorial Drive Park forms part of the heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands which sits on the edge of the Great Dividing Range.
"Council endorsed the Picnic Point Parklands Master Plan last year which will guide future development across designated areas of the 65-hectare parkland, including sections of trails.
"The Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout construction is part of the $7.4 million Toowoomba Escarpment Parks Upgrades project and is supported by local councils and the Queensland Government."
The total funding package for the $7.4 million Toowoomba Escarpment Parks Upgrades project includes $4.46 million from Toowoomba Regional Council, $2.71 million from the Queensland Government through its Building our Regions program, and $218,000 from Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
The expected completion date of construction of the Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout is July 2020 (weather permitting).
