Work will soon commence on Townsville City Council’s $9 million Horseshoe Bay Road renewal project on Magnetic Island, with the construction tender awarded.
Council awarded the tender for the works to BMD Constructions.
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill, said the project, which will see Horseshoe Bay Road renewed between Olympus Crescent and Pacific Drive, would be funded by the Queensland and Federal Governments.
The Queensland Government is contributing $7 million under the Local Road Network Capital Grants Program and the Federal Government is contributing $2 million under the Black Spot Program.
“This important project will improve the useability of Horseshoe Bay Road and enhance safety of all road users,” Cr Hill said.
“Works will include around 4kms of pavement repairs and asphalt resurfacing, installation of around 1.6kms of new guardrails, new safety signage including vehicle-activated warning signs, pavement marking, some kerb and channel installation, footpath upgrades and minor drainage works.
“In addition to this project, Council will also invest almost $5 million towards other infrastructure and services on Magnetic Island, bringing the total 2021/2022 budget investment to $14 million.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said the Queensland Government was pleased to invest in these road safety upgrades.
“This was an election commitment for the people of Magnetic Island and I’m thrilled to see Townsville City Council getting ready to start work,” Mr Stewart said.
“The project will support 30 jobs, which is important for our economic recovery as we emerge from the Omicron wave.
“It is important that upgrades occur where needed most at key tourism destinations.
“With Queenslanders seeing even more of their own backyard, and visitors from the southern states seeking warm weather and beautiful beaches, Magnetic Island is a dream holiday destination for many Australians and is the jewel in Townsville’s tourism crown.
“We need to ensure both locals and visitors can travel around the island safely from one beautiful bay to the next.”
Local Divisional Councillor, Ann-Maree Greaney, said for the safety of road users, traffic management would be in place to minimise any disruptions and wait times.
“Like any road work projects, it will be disruptive during construction and we thank the community for its patience as we undertake this work,” Cr Greaney said.
“Magnetic Island is an important destination for tourism in Townsville and North Queensland and we continue to invest in infrastructure renewals and services for locals and visitors.
“Off the back of announcements like the development of a master plan for the island’s tourism industry being undertaken by TEL, we expect visitation to grow over the next few years.
“We need to ensure the infrastructure is there to adapt to the expected increase in tourists and to make sure it can service both locals and visitors.”
