Investigator Avenue Update

History is in the making with Gympie Regional Council’s (GRC) biggest ‘in house’ infrastructure project well and truly under way in Cooloola Cove.

The $3.6 million road widening has been planned, designed, project managed and constructed using council staff. It is being equally funded by GRC and the State Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) program.

Coastal rains created challenging conditions, then Covid-19 added another level of adaptability but crews have soldiered on.

The construction is being done in stages and works have started at the Nautilus Drive end of the project working towards the Queen Elizabeth Drive intersection.

Storm water drainage installation, including underground pipes, was the first step and is now being followed by curb and channel in sections required, with concrete flush curb for the remainder.

The 10m road widening will be joined by a 1.5m pathway to allow safe pedestrian traffic and create a connection to the shopping district for residents.

Street scaping with trees selected after community input will include local native species Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) and Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora.) The usability of the area will be greatly improved and the visual amenity heightened from the works.

The project had been scheduled to be completed by the end of June, however this may be extended due to weather disruptions and Covid-19 distancing restrictions.

To keep up to date with how the project is progressing visit gympie.qld.gov.au/investgator-avenue or if you have any inquiries contact Council on 1300 307 800.