Representatives of the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council have officially opened the new Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout.
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.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the beauty of the Toowoomba Range is a natural advantage for our Region.
"Tobruk Memorial Drive Park forms part of the heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands which sits on the edge of the Great Dividing Range," Mayor Antonio said.
"Investment in our escarpment trails and Picnic Point Parklands helps to unlock the potential of nature-based tourism opportunities across our escarpment parks.
"The Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout is an example of two levels of government working together to build quality tourism infrastructure assets."
TRC Environment and Community Services Portfolio Leader, Cr Tim McMahon said the new lookout replaces the 'Bob Dodd' lookout that was removed in 2016 due to safety concerns.
"The upgrade includes a new lookout with connecting paths and is surrounded by landscaping and street furniture," Cr McMahon said.
"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 a viewing platform and walkway that provides spectacular views of Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley.
"Upgrades to the escarpment parks aim to unlock the potential of nature-based, outdoor recreation facilities, promote tourism, and enhance park users' experiences.
"The escarpment parks upgrade project involves multiple projects with works occurring across a three-year design and construction timeframe from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022."
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Janice Holstein said that as part of the Toowoomba Escarpment Parks Upgrades project, Lockyer Valley Regional Council had progressed a road and car park upgrade project at Amos Road.
"The car park is expected to be open before Christmas, weather permitting," Cr Holstein said.
"The road and car park upgrade will have a primer seal sprayed over the pavement, with the final seal and line marking completed in early 2021.
"A reduced speed limit will remain in place for safety reasons until line marking is complete."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Dr Steven Miles said the government was proud to be partnering withcouncils and the private sector to deliver projects that create jobs.
"We know that to fast-track Queensland's economic recovery, we need to continue to invest in job-creating projects like Building our Regions in regional Queensland," he said.
"This program creates hundreds of construction jobs across the regions, and more employment opportunities for locals, helping small businesses in these communities and boosting industry supply chains."
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.
