Walkway hits bump

Council denies confusion over project’s development

THE start of work on a walkway project in the CBD has been delayed as Townsville City Council consultants prepare a masterplan on how to shape the city as a lifestyle and investment destination.

But sources say the council appears confused about how to proceed with the project.

Mayor Jenny Hill and Premier Annastacia Pal- aszczuk announced construction of the $ 28 million stage one of the Waterfront Promenade project last October, saying it would be under way “within months”.

A walkway and cycle path is to be built between Healthy Little Eaters Reef HQ and Stanley St fronting Ross Creek with the council’s preferred option being to secure easements over properties.

Yesterday Cr Hill rejected suggestions the council was confused but conceded the design of the project had been delayed to ensure it was in line with planning to reposition the city.

The council announced last month that tourism identities Don Morris and David Williams, of Pure Projects, had been engaged to develop a masterplan and Cr Hill said it was this work which the council wanted to include in its considerations.

“We need to make sure we’re getting the best possible outcomes from the promenade project, ( that) it’s functional, ties in with integrated transport options, including the bus hub, and connects with the rest of the city,” Cr Hill said.

“Concept planning has been done, and before we lock down funding agreements and final design it makes good sense to have the project reviewed as part of the broader context of the positioning work.

“The promenade is an important and expensive project, and we’re making sure we don’t plough ahead with something we might want to change in a matter of weeks.

“We would anticipate the review would add about 12 weeks to the process which would mean work could start in July.

“The council already has some substantial land holdings along the creek side of the route of the promenade and will continue to negotiate in good faith with other property owners along the proposed route.

“Our preference would be to secure easements through agreements with all concerned.”

Affected property owners declined to comment but sources said there had been only preliminary discussions and that “nothing concrete” had emerged.