The Quirk Administration has decided to use the Taylor Bridge Reserve, both sides of the road, as a works site for the Indooroopilly Bikeway project.
Whilst the Bikeway project is welcome, as its final design now includes a connection to the Southside, I fear this will cause even more disruption to local traffic using Honour Avenue and Wharf Street.
A works site and temporary pontoon will be established under the Bridge to facilitate people, materials and equipment for the project. Apparently, Council cannot find another suitable location on the Northside?
I have repeatedly called on Council and the Deputy Mayor to ensure the pontoon can be permanently kept. Residents will recall that the old public pontoon was washed away in the January 2011 floods and despite petitions and requests, Council refused to replace the pontoon saying the bank was too unstable. Apparently it’s fine though now to build a pontoon to facilitate a major project in Indooroopilly. The hypocrisy of this Council at times is staggering.
It’s my view that if we have to suffer a year of noise and traffic disruption there should be some benefit for our community once the project is complete. A pontoon to replace the one lost would be a good start.
I’m also calling on Council to ensure the steps on Wharf Street near Queenscroft Street are removed and replaced with a ramp. Steps and bikes don’t mix and a safe off road pathway to Jack Pesch Bridge and the new Indooroopilly Bikeway is critical. Council is investing around $100m in bikeways this term but not a cent of this in Tennyson Ward. Stage 1 of the project was $8.5m and this will now increase significantly to include Stage 2 so part of this should be used to replace the steps leading to the Bikeway on the southside as part of the project budget.
The project is expected to take about a year. Further details about the project are noted below in the development application.
I have attached a link to the development application here, which provides more information on the proposed work site and an opportunity to have your say. I encourage you to make a submission and provide your feedback to Council.