Kingaroy Transformation Project - Update

The project will be a partnership delivered over the next 2 years with $4.5M coming from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Council will invest $9.4M from funded depreciation and restricted cash to replace and upgrade road, footpath, water and waste-water infrastructure.

Council’s investment is not expected to take away funding reserved for other works across the region.

Approved additional funding will cover infrastructure replacement and upgrades, increased community engagement, increase disability access provisions, drought proofing recycled water and contingency for possible construction issues.

Since September approximately 1,200 hours of community consultation has been undertaken including week long engagement in Kingaroy shopping world, information evenings, face to face contact with community groups both in Kingaroy and across the region, business owners, building owners, community/residents, disability support services, first nations representatives, service providers and tourists.

The project will deliver human, social, and economic enabling infrastructure, aspiring to recognise all of the South Burnett region and create a “Community of Choice”.

The project footprint takes in road corridors across:

• Alford Street;
• Kingaroy Street;
• Haly Street;
• Glendon Street.

The design also involves considerable replacement of ageing infrastructure including roads, footpaths, lighting, stormwater, street furniture, landscaping and water mains. The project is specifically designed on themes that represent all towns and villages in the South Burnett as well as creating a sense of pride and identity for the Kingaroy community.

Key design features of the Kingaroy Transformation Project span across the areas of inclusivity, data innovation, economic enabling infrastructure and bringing assets to current standards with major highlights including:

• Installation of approximately 24 additional disabled car spaces along with 7 “green parks” designated for elderly and pram parking
• Upgraded street lighting and CCTV leading to improved safety
• Widened footpaths and alfresco spaces for dining activating the street
• Featured landscape and legacy trees representing the colours and attractions of our region
• Interactive lighting and lanterns to symbolise the linkage between the towns and villages of the South Burnett
• “Smart Country” planning with underground conduits for future technology including high speed data, public Wi-Fi and The Internet of Things
• Replacement of all existing dilapidated infrastructure
• Alfresco dining areas and community spaces

Other key elements of the design will incorporate arts, culture and street features to recognise the indigenous heritage of the South Burnett along with geographical significance and major economic industries of Kingaroy.

A revised design for the community zone has also been released and Council feels it is important to clarify that the actual upgrade to Glendon Street for the community zone is only budgeted at approximately $450,000 in the current estimate and has been completely redesigned. This redesign is based on feedback from the community, with a reduced scope and cost that allows the street to be multi-purpose with the area open for car parking and also provides the ability to be utilised for community events.

The project ground-breaking will occur on 14 December 2020 and further details will be released shortly.

Full project design and details including proposed footprint can be found on Council’s website. For further information please contact Council’s project team on 4189 9100 or email ktp@sbrc.qld.gov.au.