By Dominique Tassell
Stanthorpe is one step closer to a refreshed streetscape after Southern Downs Regional Council endorsed the proposed Stanthorpe Streetscape Masterplan Year One Works Plan at the recent Ordinary Council Meeting.
The plan involves the development of a pedestrian crossing and other affordable priority features in Stanthorpe.
The Council engaged John Mongard Architects in 2015 to develop the Stanthorpe Streetscape Plan which was completed in July that year. Funding was then obtained in 2021 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Phase 3 funding initiative, totalling $399,682. This funding will be used to deliver the first year of works toward the overall plan, with the funding to be expended by 30 June 2023.
In June 2021, Council endorsed an additional $300,000 of internal capital funding to undertake these works.
The Council found two priority areas of work after community consultation; those being pedestrian crossings and associated works on Maryland Street and a pedestrian crossing and associated works on High Street.
As a result, the two priority options to consider for progression in the first year of work toward the Streetscape Plan are on these streets.
Works on Maryland Street involve moving the existing pedestrian crossing to the north with alfresco areas, gardens and trees near Fromes Lane on Maryland Street, enhancing the southern entry roundabout edges, and undertaking minor upgrades to Farley Piazza.
Works on High Street involve establishing a pedestrian crossing with alfresco areas, gardens and trees near the medical centre/pathology, extending the centerline garden further along High Street from the north, and establishing disabled parking within the street.
Council staff outline in the agenda item that there is some risk that the core deliverable of the Maryland Street option, removing and relocating a pedestrian crossing, cannot be achieved within budget in year one.
“Although it is feasible that some of the proposed deliverables for High Street will not be attained in year one, the core component of adding a pedestrian crossing and associated works is more achievable within the limited budget available this year,” the agenda stated. “It will also considerably improve pedestrian safety within this section of the town centre.”
The 2015 Stanthorpe Streetscape Plan outlines eleven integrated works packages which could be implemented in time and as funds permit. These are:
• Project 1 Maryland Street crossing
• Project 2 High Street crossing and Northern Gateway
• Project 3 Fromes Lane and build-outs on Rogers and Maryland Streets
• Project 4 Rogers Street Carpark
• Project 5 High Street South streetscape works
• Project 6 Maryland Street West footpath works
• Project 7 Maryland Street East footpath works
• Project 8 Victoria Street improvements
• Project 9 Southern Town Entry
• Project 10 Northern and Western Town Entries
• Project 11 Town, Creek and Gallery Walk footpaths and Town Centre avenues
The motion was moved by Cr Stephen Tancred and seconded by Cr Andrew Gale.
