BUS HUB GREEN LIGHT

TOWNSVILLE City Council has awarded a contract to build the CBD Bus Hub to local construction firm Mendi, creating 30 local jobs from the shovelready project.

The project includes new sheltered seating, improved pedestrian access and landscaping.

Work is expected to start later this month and be com- pleted in February next year. The project received $ 4 million in funding from the State Government in 2014 but has been delayed by issues including where it should be sited.

Deputy Mayor and Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Les Walker said the hub would create 30 local jobs during construction.

“This project will be a great win for public transport users and CBD traders,” Cr Walker said.

“The new Bus Hub will encourage more people into the city by making it easier to use public transport. The new Bus Hub will be walking distance to and from the new North Queensland Stadium, while improving public transport facilities and services throughout the city.

“The project also includes improving the streetscape of Ogden St, which will help revitalise that part of the CBD.”

The council purchased a property along Odgen St to facilitate the Bus Hub and has already completed demolition works. This property will be converted to a road to allow for better traffic flow.

Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Mark Molachino said the CBD Bus Hub was one of the many projects the council was building as part of its record infrastructure spend in the 2018- 19 budget.

“More than $ 430 million will be invested in different projects across the city to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs for locals,” Cr Molachino said.

“It’s fantastic that this important project has been awarded to local firm Mendi.

“I’d also like to thank the Queensland Government for their significant contribution to the CBD Bus Hub.”

Cr Ann- Maree Greaney said the project would help revitalise the area around Ogden St.

“The CBD Bus Hub will completely transform the area and make it so much easier for people to take public transport into the city,” Cr Greaney said.

“The area around Ogden Street will be transformed by the Bus Hub and it will greatly improve connectivity in our city heart.

“The Bus Hub is expected to take eight to nine months but work will be minimised over the Christmas trading period to ensure local businesses do not lose out on any trade.”