• Minor vegetation work in the area.

• Increased work activity with trucks and a crane on site.
• At times, some traffic control.
• A few hours of traffic disruption, including road closure near Endeavour Street and the exit off Bishops Drive, while the new concrete pole is moved to site - road closure signage will be in place prior to works.
• Works will mainly occur from Monday to Friday, time 6am to 6pm.
• Noise and vibration can be expected from the project site.

Stage 1 Building Renewals

• Amenity upgrades in the 25m pool area are complete. These include an Accessible Adult Change Room, two refurbished Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant unisex accessible toilets and showers and refurbished male and female amenities.
• Currently while work on the main amenities building is occurring:
  • Refurbished male and female amenities in the 25m pool area will temporarily be signed female only.
  • Temporary male amenity buildings have been set-up behind the grandstand.
  • Accessible Adult Change Room is available.
  • Two refurbished Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant unisex accessible toilets and showers are available.

Stage 2 Building Renewals (Sep 2021 - Mar 2022)

• Upgrade of the main amenities building including Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessible facilities and family change rooms. 
• New roof structures over main amenities, new awning to the existing kiosk and front entrance upgrade. A temporary alternative entrance to the facility will be set-up towards the end of the year. Notice will be given, and signs in place before these changes.
• Some external works to the main facilities building from early next year.
• While work on the main amenities building is occurring, amenity use is as listed above.

50m pool relining: Work deferred to later in 2022, enabling works to the 25m indoor pool to be undertaken during summer.

25m pool tile replacement: Scheduled from Feb-May 2022. This will entail complete replacement of pool tiles.

25m pool heating system upgrade: Scheduled from Feb-May 2022. Renewal or replacement of the heating system and any additional works required will be determined.

25m pool enclosure renewal: Scheduled from Feb-May 2022. Corrosion protection of steel, re-sheeting of building.

50m grandstand and shade sail upgrades: Scheduled from May-July 2022. Corrosion protection of steel, upgrades to shade sails.

Gladstone Regional Council is being assisted to deliver this improved facility for the region with:

- $2.4m State Government funding, through the 2021-24 Works for Queensland Program,
- $1.2m State Government funding, through the COVID Works for Queensland Program, and
- $1.6m through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Works will include:

• Stage 2 (June 2021 to June 2022) – Conduit and cable installation, cable termination and testing, installation of new main switchboard and associated distribution boards, and installation and energisation of a new 750kVA Padmount Transformer. This work is funded by Gladstone Regional Council.

Stage 1 of the Tondoon Botanic Gardens Electrical Upgrades Project is an initiative of the Queensland Government.

More information about the Tondoon Botanic Gardens

To ensure uninterrupted access in the future, Council will investigate moving the fitness equipment somewhere less likely to be impacted by the flying foxes’ annual arrival.

There are no increased health risks associated with the presence of the bats as per Queensland Health advice, though the public are reminded to wash hands if they come into contact with bat faeces and not to handle or approach dead or injured bats. If they see an injured flying-fox they can report it to the RSPCA QLD on 1300 264 625.

Dead bats can be reported to Council on 4970 0700 for removal.

More information on Flying-foxes

Visit the RegionWatch website

View RegionWatch

This project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program 2021-22. 

Work includes site preparation and minor earthworks, construction/installation of new footpath, construction of associated kerb and kerb ramps, installation of Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) raised priority crossing. Removal and replacement of barrier fence, drainage works, supply and install of signage and pathway markers, landscaping adjacent to path.  

Work will be carried out Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5pm.  

Some noise and dust is expected from the work site.  

Some limited traffic disruptions may be experienced at different stages of the project.  

Traffic management at times. 

This $1.5m project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), and Gladstone Regional Council.

Works are scheduled as part of Council’s 2021/22 capital works.

The condition of the road, kerb and footpath in this area has deteriorated with tree roots damaging the road and paths, creating potential trip hazards and risks to public safety.

Council is also future-proofing Toolooa Street by placing conduits underneath the road at regular intervals to support future services.

While pavement and footpath work occur, Council will also install stormwater pipes and conduit for future water services.

Council is mindful of undertaking these works with as minimal disruption to businesses, residents and the community as possible with works to be carried out in stages, and in sections, along this stretch of Toolooa Street.

Outline of Planned Works

– Section 1 Toolooa St (between Short/Young St and Pier St)

Construction work in Section 1 of Toolooa St (between Short/Young St and Pier St) is largely complete with only permanent line-marking and revegetation for this section outstanding. The revegetation plan will be finalised and communicated to the community in the coming weeks.

– Section 2 Toolooa St (between Pier St and Walsh St)

Section 2 Work has commenced with replacement of stormwater pipes at the Toolooa St/Walsh St intersection.

• Mon 17 Jan - This section of Toolooa St will be open to traffic. Demolition and construction of footpath in sections on western (residential) side. Drainage works commence, which will involve trenches, installation of subsoil drains and conduits, and backfilling work adjacent to each existing street kerb. This drainage task will be ongoing.
• Significant disruption - Tues 18 Jan and Weds 19 Jan - Road work profiling, involving excavation of top layers of the existing road. No on-street carparking from 7am Tues 18 Jan to 6pm Weds 19 Jan.  Access to driveways maintained. Traffic Controllers will provide direction (see attached diagram).
• Thurs to Sat (20-22 Jan) - Kerb demolition.
• Mon 24 Jan and Weds 26 Jan - No work forecast, noting Australia Day 26 Jan.

• Tues 25 Jan, Thurs 27 Jan and Fri 28 Jan - Drainage works continue.

WHAT TO EXPECT - Section 2 Toolooa St (between Pier St and Walsh St)

• Road profiling will be closely followed by ramping of driveways, to ensure residents/businesses have access. Short delays may be experienced to access or enter your property by vehicle under direction of traffic controllers.

• Local traffic restrictions. No through-traffic on Toolooa St (Pier St to Walsh St) from 7am on Tues 18 Jan to 6pm on Weds 19 Jan; side streets will need to be used to detour around the work area.

• There is still access to businesses in the immediate area using side streets as detours and via the business’ alternative driveway entrances.
• Residents with off-street carparking will be able to enter or leave their property under direction of traffic controllers.
• Detours in place for general traffic around the works area.
• Traffic controllers will be on site while works occur. Please follow directions.
• Pedestrian access. Please observe signage.
• Dust from the work area will be monitored and water trucks used as required.
• Noise from the work area is expected at different stages of construction.

Vegetation

A number of trees were removed in the work area on 23 and 24 September. Further re-vegetation information will be provided as the project progresses. Council recognises that many of these established trees had been in the area for a significant time and strong consideration was given to retain as many existing trees in the work area where possible. Trees along the footpath (on the residential side of Toolooa St) were assessed with a number of trees identified to be causing damage to the road, kerb and footpath, leading to increased risk to public safety.

Traffic Conditions

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to expect detours and changes to traffic conditions within this works area at different stages of this project.

• Bridge replacement works are planned from 17 March to mid-July 2022 as follows:

• 17 March to mid-May 2022 - John Clifford Way - Hobble Creek Crossing - replacing with wider structure, increasing load limit (10T to 160T).
• Mid-May to mid-July 2022 - Gorge Road - Baffle Creek Crossing - replacing with wider structure, increasing load limit (15T to 160T).

This project is jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ Bridges Renewal Program Round 4 and Gladstone Regional Council.

Bridges will be worked on one at a time, enabling one bridge to remain open while the other is closed and worked on.

Community Information Sessions will be held to meet and talk about the project with the Lowmead community on:

• Tuesday, 8 February - ‘drop-in’ session at Lowmead Community Hall, 9am-4pm.
• Thursday, 10 February - ‘drop-in’ session at Rosedale State School, 2pm-3pm.
• Thursday, 10 February - Information session at Lowmead Community Hall, 3.45pm arrival for 4pm-5pm session.

As part of COVID health requirements, masks are required and attendees will be asked to sign-in via the Check in Qld app.

Steps will be taken as required, to manage indoor capacity limits.

• All works are forecast to occur between Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm.
• Noise, vibration and dust can be expected from the project site. Water trucks will be used regularly for dust suppression as required.
• While all practical efforts will be made to limit temporary closures, some limited disruption to access will be unavoidable.
• Likelihood, at times, of property access disruptions for residents as no other entry and exit alternatives to Thomson St.
• Some access disruptions of up to 10 mins may be experienced entering and exiting Thomson St while a portion of works is completed and made safe for vehicles to travel through the work area.

More information  

• All works are forecast to occur between Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm 
• Noise, vibration and dust can be expected from the project site  
• There will be work crews and heavy machinery in the works area with traffic management in place for the duration of the temporary side-track construction.  

These bridge platform works aim to improve safety for workers during maintenance and repairs and to generally improve public safety are scheduled as part of Gladstone Regional Council’s 2021/22 Capital Works Program.   

Works will include: 

• Safety improvements for pedestrians while the bridge is being raised.  
• Install new access structures and modifications to control room and counterweight room access. 
• Install access platforms.  
• Modification to proximity switches hatches and access.  
• Install traffic calming devices.  
• Modify external lower deck access ladder cage.  
• Install emergency isolation switches.  
• Install replacement handrail section to the existing lower access platform.   

Due to the nature of the works the bridge will be required to be in the closed/lowered position for extended periods while works are being carried out.

This will result  in restricted access for larger tall marine vessels. While road traffic and pedestrians will be directed by traffic control as required, small marine vessels should be unaffected and able to travel underneath the closed bridge.

Motorists are advised to expect delays with traffic reduced to one lane across the bridge for the duration of the works.

At this stage, the below access restrictions across the Matthew Flinders (Marina) Bridge will apply from 6am to 5.30pm for the duration of the project. The overall and daily duration of lane closures will be subject to change. 
    
Single lane closures 
Monday 31 January to Friday 4 March, excluding weekends.
Expect delays. One lane of traffic across bridge. Alf O’Rourke Drive can be used as an alternative road detour to and from the Marina Parklands. Traffic control in place. Pedestrian access under direction of traffic controllers. 
  
Marine closures (bridge cannot be raised without coordination)  
Monday 31 January to Friday 4 March, excluding weekends.
 
CONTACT FOR BRIDGE LIFTS 
•    During onsite working times 6.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday, please call - Steve Wyatt - 0405 110 121 
•    For all other times, please call PEAK services on 07 2104 5411, as per normal lift procedure.
 
The bridge will return to full operation on weekends, outside the 6am-5.30pm work hours, and at times when daily works are completed earlier than planned. 

Removal of existing failing water mains and replacement.  

Works involve removal of existing water main (located under road and footpaths in some areas.  

Temporary above ground water lines (to provide water while the section of water main is replaced.  

Installation of new water main.  

New water main connection to the existing network and house connections.  

Testing and activation of the new water main.  

Removal of temporary water lines.