Mount Morgan CBD vision begins

Published on 19 May 2017

Mount Morgan’s CBD is about to get its long-awaited revitalisation thanks to Rockhampton Regional Council and funding from the State and Federal governments.

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the Mount Morgan CBD project was a good example of three levels of government working together for the benefit of the local community.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s investment of more than $1.4 million in the CBD revitalisation project will support up to 34 jobs for local tradespeople and help cement Mount Morgan as must see destination for visitors to Central Queensland,” Mr Furner said.

“It’s good news for local business and jobs.”  

Rockhampton Regional Council’s Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford said work has begun with completion by the end of the year.

“This revitalisation has been on the radar for a long time, so the community is absolutely thrilled work has started on their new streetscape,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Local residents and visitors will see a total makeover of the CBD’s central median strip thanks to the State Government’s Works for Queensland Program and the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, along with the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

“Their generous support will ensure our town shines with an architecturally-designed arbour for bright bougainvilleas as well as new shade structures, public furniture, upgraded toilets and a new gazebo giving a very modern look and feel, while maintaining a strong connection to the town’s heritage.”

State member for Mirani Jim Pearce said the revitalisation project would benefit locals, tourists and the broader Mount Morgan community.

“I talked with many locals about their expectations on this project and they’re hopeful it will bring a boost to local businesses, and it’s

wonderful to see a town’s heart and soul being renewed to bring more vibrancy to complement the historical charm that currently exists here,” Mr Pearce said.

“Small regional towns are bound together by a strong community spirit and the renewed CBD will provide a greater sense of pride and a vibrant place for visitors to sit, relax and stay a little longer to enjoy everything Mount Morgan has to offer as a tourist destination.”

Councillor Rutherford said the work would be carried out in stages in the coming months.

“Our first step was to bring in all the earthwork equipment, which will be followed by about a month of demolishing the current section,” Cr Rutherford said.

“After that we’ll prepare the site, including removing the overhead power lines and reticulating the power underground, and then work on the structures - it will very exciting to see it come to life!

“We’ve been working closely with local businesses on what’s happening and of course we’ll keep them and the local community updated on our progress as we move through the project.”

Residents are advised that the toilets have been closed for refurbishment, however the toilets in the Mount Morgan School of the Arts building are available for use. One pedestrian crossing will also remain open throughout the duration of the project. Thank you for your patience while Council revitalises Mount Morgan’s CDB.

Image: Cr Cherie Rutherford, Mayor Margaret Strelow, Member for Mirani Jim Pearce, Steven May from JM Kelly.

Mount Morgan Streetscape Improvements