Gin Gin Chamber of Commerce president Greg Collier has welcomed the start of stage two streetscape improvements.
“The long wait is over. The beautiful results of stage one will now be matched and enhanced with stage two under way,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone in the stage two construction area ever felt disconnected by the fact the work hadn’t been completed.
“It was more that it simply was a missing link to finalising an attractive look for our town centre.”
He said Gin Gin was in a unique position on the highway with its wide median strip channelled by dual highway lanes on either side.
“This is an oasis on the highway. The work done on stage one really opened opportunities for the local business sector and the constant use of the parking areas is indicative of the trade local businesses are attracting.”
He said the development of the median strip would serve the local community well into the future as an easily accessible location for highway travellers.
“Main Roads have told us (the chamber) over a long period that a town that doesn’t have traffic lights, doesn’t have pedestrian crossings and has this dual highway setup will not be bypassed.”
Mr Collier said the new work would also add significant safety aspects for pedestrian traffic.
“Stage one is beautifully set out and provides designed barriers that ensure kids don’t run out onto the highway,” he said.
“It’s easy to pull off the highway and safely exit your vehicle to use all the facilities that are available.”
He said the $4 million project would have direct benefits for local businesses with the contractors keen to utilise local suppliers where possible.
“We understand that the construction time will impact on some businesses, but that impediment will be outweighed by the longer-term benefits of this project.”
Mr Collier said Council had been diligent in its consultation with affected residents.
“Many of the issues were worked through in the stage one process when the scope of the Streetscape was discussed.
“We are aware that some trees need to be removed to allow for widening the highway, but these were issues canvassed log ago.”
Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor said a perceptible slowing down of highway traffic numbers due to the current COVID-19 pandemic was a positive for the construction process.
“I am extremely delighted that the local community is fully supportive of this project and the benefits it will bring to the community,” he said.
“It is also a major plus that the current Gin Gin Community Hub redevelopment will dovetail with this project in basic design and landscaping.
“It will provide virtually a seamless extension of the stage one work.”
- Other news: Construction of Gin Gin Community Hub on track
