Revised concept designs for works at Queen Street, Warragul will open for community feedback next month in an opportunity to refine the final stage of the Warragul CBD Streetscape.
Council recognises that community aspirations may have changed since the Warragul Town Centre Masterplan, of which the streetscape is part of, was adopted in 2011.
Plans for Queen Street have been amended to ensure car parking spaces are retained, along with the existing roundabout at Mason Street, associated trees and landscaping, and the after-hours taxi rank at the Queen Street bus stop.
Proposed works include:
- Installation of a centre median between Smith Street and Mason Street to provide traffic calming and a mid-block pedestrian crossing.
- Re-establishment and extension of significant tree avenue along the south side of Queen Street.
- Raising the kerb along the south side of Queen Street to address existing footpath crossfall issues.
- A widened pathway from the TAFE to the existing Normanby Place shared pathway.
- A refuge island at the Queen Street and Gladstone Street intersection to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety.
- Demolition and replacement of the public amenities block; and
- New line-marking, including bike lanes, median and turning lanes.
Disruptions will be minimised through the delivery with nightworks where appropriate, regular updates, and ongoing liaison between Council and nearby traders.
Key stakeholders will be contacted and encouraged to participate in the consultation.
The wider community will be invited to contribute via Council's website and social media channels when the engagement period opens in March. Council will then consider all community feedback before proceeding with detailed design and delivery of the works.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss:
"The Warragul Streetscape was designed more than 10 years ago. We've had considerable feedback along the last eight stages, and we've listened.
"The community's told us in no uncertain terms that parking is paramount. We've revisited the original plans for Queen Street and will give everyone a chance to have their say on this new concept design, which vastly improves safety for pedestrians without losing car parks."
Quotes attributable to Central Ward Cr Joe Gauci:
"I want the community to be heard, and I want everyone that uses Queen Street to have input in its final design.
"Warragul has changed since the original plans were drawn up. We've got new residents, new businesses and new visitors that wouldn't have had a say back then – so now's the chance to shape the design and with it, the future of Warragul."
