Redesign plans for Queen St

The final stage of Warragul’s central business district makeover is set to be undertaken in Queen St this year.

But Queen St business operators and community members will have the opportunity to have their say on what the streetscape design should include.

Council’s community infrastructure team visited businesses along the street in the past week to discuss the concept plans and seek feedback.

The works aim to improve pedestrian amenity and accessibility and upgrade the public toilet block.

Also included are improvements to the median strip, pedestrian crossings and line marking between Smith St and Gladstone Sts on the north side and Smith and Normanby Sts on the south side.

It is proposed a widened path will be developed on the south side to connect to the existing shared pathway from the east.

Council particularly wants to hear people’s views on the type and location of street furniture, public art and wayfinding and historical signage.

Community members will be encouraged to participate in a Have Your Say online survey on council’s website.

The survey sets out a number of project features that community members are asked to prioritise including:

Retention of existing parking bays; Re-establishment and extension of significant tree avenue along the south side;

Installation of a centre median between Smith and Mason Sts to provide traffic calming measures and an opportunity for a mid block pedestrian crossing;

New line marking, including bike lanes, median and turning lanes;

Retention of the after hours taxi rank at the existing Queen St bus stop;

Renewal and relocation of the toilet block to adjacent to the existing bus stop to improve surveillance and safety; and,

Improved pedestrian and disability access. Mayor Danny Goss said the draft concept designs focussed on improving accessibility and amenity along Queen St, without compromising on traffic flow.

“We are committed to listening to what the community has to say about these plans and making sure the final designs reflect that,” he said.

Cr Joe Gauci said a lot had changed in Warragul since the streetscape project began 10 years ago.

“We’re going back out to the community with updated plans for Queen St to make sure they meet the needs of our residents and businesses right now while capturing your future aspirations for the town,” he said.

Cr Jazmin Tauru said the project aimed to make Queen St safer and more accessible while improving the look and feel of the street.

The streetscape project is being jointly funded by council and developer contributions.

Following the consultation period, community feedback will be presented in a report to council and construction is expected to begin in early 2022.