Council calls for Gallery Walk bypass

Scenic Rim Regional Council is calling for Queensland Government funding for a new bypass to support Gallery Walk’s revitalisation as a pedestrian-friendly precinct.

In the lead-up to the October 2020 State election, Council has released a Ten Point Advocacy Plan which includes a proposal that the Queensland Government construct a connection road between Macdonnell Road and Eagle Heights Road, via Cook Road, on Tamborine Mountain by 2024.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the ever-increasing popularity of Gallery Walk as a destination for Scenic Rim residents and visitors had resulted in this section of road being stretched well beyond the capacity of its original design.

“This precinct is now a heavily trafficked corridor with a mix of visitor and commercial traffic, traffic movement by local residents and a large volume of pedestrian traffic which poses a significant safety risk to motorists and those on foot,” he said.

“A bypass of this section away from the highly trafficked pedestrian area would allow the safe movement of commercial, visitor and residential through traffic.

“Currently, the State-controlled road runs from Macdonnell Road to connect with Eagle Heights Road through Gallery Walk.

“If a State-controlled connection road between Macdonnell Road and Eagle Heights Road via Cook Road were established, redevelopment of the Gallery Walk section as a pedestrian-friendly precinct will enable strong economic and social returns.”

Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce President Alison Rip said there was widespread support for an upgrade of Gallery Walk to meet the needs of residents and the mountain’s large volume of visitors each year who contribute substantially to the local economy.

“At peak periods, on weekends and holidays, Gallery Walk is congested, there’s no pedestrian crossing, visitors have to dodge traffic, there is a lack of parking and this also causes difficulty for locals,” she said.

The Cook Road Gallery Walk bypass is one of 10 key issues outlined in the Scenic Rim’s Ten Point Advocacy Plan for which Council is seeking a support from political parties and local candidates prior to the October 2020 Queensland state election.

Cr Christensen said the issues prioritised in the advocacy plan were key to the future growth and economic prosperity of the Scenic Rim.

"Local governments raise just three per cent of taxes, yet are required to manage 38 per cent of all public infrastructure and 75 per cent of all roads,” he said.

"Our large region, with its many towns and villages, relies on safe, effective road-based transport connectivity for business, residents and visitors.

"As a Council, we are committed to upgrading our own road and bridge infrastructure, however we need the Queensland Government to commit to investing in the connectivity of its State-controlled roads.”

The Ten Point Plan is available on Council's website www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/our-council/administration/advocacy