Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has endorsed a plan by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to connect the Toowoomba CBD with the Highfields bikeway project, creating a safer and more convenient active transport link for the community.
At this week's Ordinary Meeting of Council, Councillors endorsed TMR's Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link Project which will be delivered by TMR in collaboration with TRC and Queensland Rail in a staged approach over coming years.
TRC Transport and Drainage Planning portfolio spokesperson Councillor Trevor Manteufel said the project will provide a safe connection for active transport users between the Toowoomba CBD and areas to the north of Toowoomba, including Highfields.
"The vision for the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link Project is to deliver safe, connected and convenient pathways and crossings that make walking and cycling easier and more appealing, helping to reduce reliance on vehicles in Toowoomba's northern suburbs.
"The proposed concept plan has been developed by TMR for 5.5 kilometres of paths and safe road crossings to connect the East Creek Cycleway at Margaret Street in Toowoomba's CBD, to the Highfields Bikeway at the John French VC Bridge on the New England Highway via TRC's proposed Railway Parklands Precinct," Cr Manteufel said.
"TMR had sought Council's support for the planning and concept of this project and that's what Councillors endorsed.
"The proposed route takes advantage of quiet streets, parks and the railway corridor to provide an off-road path for people walking and riding to safely share. TMR consulted the community and key stakeholders with positive feedback showing the community's desire for projects of this nature," he said.
"Council looks forward to further engagement with TMR to bring the project to life in the future."
The resolution that Councillors adopted at this week's Ordinary Meeting was:
That Council:
1.Endorse the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link planning and concept that has been developed collaboratively with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Rail for implementation over future years;
2.Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to commence negotiations with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link project; and
3. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to commence negotiations with City Deal Partners regarding the potential for the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link capital delivery costs to form part of Council's contribution to the Railway Parklands City Deal.
