City needs upgrading
WE hear a lot about tourism but I believe we do not paint a very good picture with our infrastructure sadly lacking, so I have some suggestions for the southern approaches.
I am sure that other readers can add a lot more so as to cover the whole city.
My suggestions for infrastructure southern approaches are:
(1) Upgrade the Bruce Highway from the Crematorium to the dump including the rail overpass to four lanes.
(2) Beautify and landscape the area between the inward and outward lanes opposite the racecourse between the rail overpass and Stuart Drive on Racecourse Rd.
(3) Place a larger and more inviting sign on the corner of Stuart Drive and Racecourse Rd to identify the direction to the city and the motels.
(4) Build a decent tourist information centre on the vacant land adjacent to the racecourse.
(5) Upgrade Stuart Drive from Racecourse Rd to Bowen Rd to four lanes, this includes the bridge over Ross River and includes traffic lights on the intersection with Merv Crossman Drive.
(6) Upgrade Oonoonba Rd and Rooneys Bridge to four lanes to cater for increased traffic to the stadium.
(7) Replace all the old palm trees on Bowen and Charters Towers roads and with foxtail palms. The old ones do nothing to beautify the area and fallen fronds are a danger to vehicles.
(8) Remove all the old railway buildings on Flinders Street West as they are an eyesore, a fire hazard and could be a problem in a cyclone.
To the city council, I say you should stop worrying about the CBD and start worrying about the general infrastructure of the city as it is not keeping up with the development and future of this city.
(1) What has happened to the navy patrol boat that was gifted to Townsville? The last I heard was that the harbour board was looking to locate it in Ross Creek. It is taking them far too long to get this job done.
I think after a repaint it has been left in Ross River to rust away.
(2) All has gone quiet on the Hive development while the old Queens and Criterion hotels rot away.
(3) Push to get a lagoon for
Townsville but I would suggest a site around from the Rock Pool.
(4) The old North Railway Yards was put out for expressions of interest to develop last year, what is taking so long?
As they say, if nothing moves it stagnates, and I feel that is where we are now.
BRIAN MORRISON,
Mundingburra.