Work on a new five-metre-wide, 280-metre-long boardwalk to increase connectivity and drive business along Ross Creek will start this week, Townsville City Council has announced.
The boardwalk fronting Ross Creek is a key project for the Council and the first of a three-stage project. Future stages include a walkway connecting Central Park through to the Flinders Street East precinct.
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill said it was part of a network of recreational pathways along the creek’s edge to help showcase local waterways and natural environment.
“A lot has already been achieved through the private and public sector to bring more people into the city,” Mayor Hill said.
“We want to build on the successes that have already been made and further support other ways to improve the city’s connectivity, enhance liveability and support external investment.
“Projects like this boardwalk give great confidence to the market that our city is growing.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart said the new infrastructure would help to activate the city centre.
“We see other cities embrace their waterways and make them more accessible to the public which is what this boardwalk will do,” Mr Stewart said.
“It will also connect the city centre even more which will help activate the CBD.”
Deputy Mayor, Mark Molachino said construction would kick off today with the closure of the Flinders St carpark.
“Alternative parking options are available along Flinders Street including at a lot opposite the Museum of Tropical Queensland which has been specifically designated to assist with parking,” Cr Molachino said.
“These arrangements will be in place until about March next year when construction of the boardwalk is scheduled to end.”
Stage one is being co-funded by Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government’s Work for Queensland program.