Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road upgrade program

Travellers along Wellington Street and Panorama Drive in Thornlands are experiencing a newly improved commute thanks to a $57.4 million joint investment from Redland City Council, and the Australian and Queensland governments.

Wellington Street and Panorama Drive are key links for travellers and commuters from Thornlands, Redland Bay and Mount Cotton, with substantial growth forecast in the coming years.

Upgrades to this significant stretch of road were unveiled recently, including a 2km stretch having been duplicated from two to four lanes, alongside two intersection upgrades where Panorama Drive intersects with Ziegenfusz Road and Wellington Street.

The works featured a number of additional enhancements including a shared cycling and pedestrian pathway installed from Boundary Road to South Street and a dedicated fauna underpass constructed – providing protection for local native wildlife.

The upgrades were funded by all three levels of government with $15 million from the Australian Government, $41.7 million from Redland City Council and $630,715 from the Queensland Government.

The Wellington Street/Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project is being delivered by Redland City Council. The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program. The Panorama Drive and Wellington Street, Boundary Road to South Street, construct shared path is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Pedestrians have been restricted from using a section of roadside concrete just north of the Panorama Drive/Ziegenfusz Road intersection as a pathway for safety reasons.

This section of concrete verge was laid to enable maintenance access and to protect underground assets and was not designed for pedestrian use.

A wide shared pedestrian and cycle pathway on the other side of the road extends the full length of the road upgrade and has been purposefully designed to standard to help ensure the safety of all road users.

Council recognises the community’s desire for pedestrian access to this area and is actively investigating whether a safe solution can be implemented.

Signage will be installed on fencing at either end of the concrete verge to assist with community understanding of the safety risk.

A significant milestone has been achieved on the $57.4 million, 2.3km Wellington Street/Panorama Drive road upgrade – Stage 1, with all four vehicle lanes + bike and pedestrian pathways now open.

Minor finishing works including defect rectifications will continue for up to three months, so workers will still be present with localised traffic management measures in place to ensure a safe workplace.

Road users are encouraged to take care as they adjust to the new conditions, observing speed limits and any temporary traffic management measures that are in place as works are closed out.

Check out our new video to see the latest drone footage – the road is looking smooooth!

Stage 1 of the Wellington Street/Panorama Drive road upgrade project has been delivered by Redland City Council with support from the Australian Government ($15 million) through the Infrastructure Investment Program and the Queensland Government ($500,000) through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Redland City Council has unveiled a $444 million budget for the 2024-2025 financial year that focusses on ensuring ratepayers receive value for their money while keeping increases to rates and charges to a minimum.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said this year’s Council budget made a significant investment in projects and services for the community.

“From investments in infrastructure and parks to social and cultural programs, every budget allocation has been carefully considered by councillors to foster our local economy and enhance our city’s liveability,” she said.

“Since being elected as Mayor just over two months ago, I’ve been focusing on seeking information to ensure the annual budget delivers projects that reflected responsible spending.

“In preparing this year’s budget, which began development in November 2023, Council’s collective priority has been on providing the community with value for money in these challenging times.”

The Mayor said despite a range of external cost pressures currently impacting Council’s bottom line, recent median increases to Redland property valuations of more than 31 per cent and a forecast rates increase of 5.97 per cent predicted just 12 months ago, the increase in the minimum general rate had been limited to 5.51 per cent.

“Ratepayer contributions are vital to the running of our city,” she said.

“The general rate – the largest portion of the Council rate bill – is used for maintaining more than $3.4 billion in public assets, such as car parks, boat ramps, street lighting, playgrounds and other public amenities.

“It also helps fund some of our city’s most loved services, including our libraries, galleries, Redland Performing Arts Centre and IndigiScapes.

“Council recognises the cost-of-living pressures faced by the community and has adopted a $1.47 million operating deficit to offset the minimum general rate.”

Further measures to restrict the increase in the minimum general rate included building more than $13 million in cost-saving efficiencies into the Budget this year.

If not for Council’s commitment to finding savings, driving efficiencies and prioritising investment in value-for-money projects, the rate increase would have been significantly higher.

Council completed its second annual expenditure review this year to identify areas where it could save the community money and reduce the amount of revenue it needed to raise through rates to cover costs.

An example of where this has been achieved is through improvements to Council’s procurement practices, which is estimated to have saved the organisation about $2 million over the past financial year alone.

A further $11 million in savings were able to be built into the Budget through identified efficiencies in operating costs while still maintaining high service levels to the community.

Council has adopted a $118.3 million capital investment program for the financial year that includes $52.57 million for road and infrastructure projects.

“This makes up almost half of Council’s total capital spend for the financial year and will ensure our city is able to keep pace with population growth now and into the future,” the Mayor said.

“The funding put towards roads includes a $3 million package for green sealing works on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, taking the total investment in this program to well in excess of $22 million since 2016.

“Council has also set aside $6.92 million for the continuation of upgrades to Wellington Street/Panorama Drive at Thornlands.”

In a big boost for lovers of the arts, Council has budgeted $3 million for refurbishment works at the Redland Performing Arts Centre in Cleveland.

Other infrastructure investment highlights include $5.65 million for the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area program, $7.62 million for the Redlands Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct at Mount Cotton and $1.04 million for renewal works at the Cleveland Library building.

A further $6 million has been allocated to the Digital Transformation Program that will enable Council to continue the multi-year rollout of improvements to its suite of digital services.

This investment will continue to deliver benefits to the community and Council through the modernisation of Council’s systems and processes to support better, faster and more responsive ways to interact with Council information and services, to enhance cyber resilience and data protection measures, and support productivity and efficiency improvements to the way the organisation plans and delivers its services.

“Each Budget is a reflection of the legacy and economic environment in which it is adopted,” the Mayor said.

“Council had to consider its financial position, the rising costs of goods and services, priority projects and the cost-of-living challenges impacting the community.

“After many hours spent in Budget development workshops, meetings and briefings, Council has settled on a $118.3 million capital expenditure program that represents a significant investment in our lifestyle, our city’s future, our natural environment and, most importantly, our community.”

The 2024–2025 budget at a glance:

• $444 million investment in Redlands Coast
• An increase in general rates revenue of 5.51 per cent, or about $1.49, for a category 1a, owner-occupied property with a valuation equal to the median valuation, excluding separate charges, utilities and State Government charges
• Small budgeted operating deficit of $1.47 million
• Capital expenditure program of $118.3 million
• Total pensioner rebates of almost $3.3 million, with rates rebates of $335.00 per year for a full pensioner or $167.50 for a part-pensioner.

Capital expenditure program at a glance:

• $31.86 million for water, waste and wastewater projects
• $29.57 million for road reseal, reconstruction and upgrade projects
• $23.00 million for infrastructure projects such as transport, buildings and stormwater
• $17.69 million for parks, open space and conservation
• $7.14 million for other capital works projects
• $4.49 million for marine and foreshore projects, including canal and breakwater works
• $4.54 million for community and cultural development

Visit the Redland City Council website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for more budget information.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.

Redland City Council’s strong financial position and sound credit rating has enabled it to consider a variety of long-term funding options to deliver new infrastructure.

Prudent and equitable investment in assets on Redlands Coast is allowing Council to bring forward plans for new infrastructure and provide the community with assets and services in an equitable manner.

While Council strives to keep borrowings as low as possible, certain projects are financed through borrowings to ensure costs of long-life assets are distributed equitably to those who benefit from those assets, now and into the future.

It effectively means that future generations of ratepayers who will directly benefit from the Council-owned infrastructure – contribute to the cost of its creation, rather than this burden falling solely on current ratepayers at the time of the infrastructure’s purchase or construction.

A Council spokesperson said responsible financial stewardship has resulted in Council having low levels of debt on its balance sheet and that it was sensible to use debt in this way.

“This is how we ensure future generations share the costs of infrastructure that will benefit them,” the spokesperson said.

“It is a form of ‘fiscal fairness’ and another way in which Council is working to maintain its strong financial position.

“This year’s Budget engagement sessions held with Councillors have been extensive to ensure the organisation is as fiscally efficient as possible, while continuing to deliver the multitude of high-standard services and facilities that keep this city ticking.”

The annual investment by Council in infrastructure is substantial and represents a major component of the budget.

As an example, the largest single commitment in last year’s $430 million Budget was $40.5 million – almost a tenth of the entire Budget – for continued works on the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication project at Thornlands.

Further infrastructure investment came in at $33.85 million which included progressing intergenerational projects as outlined in Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

Part of these funds went towards works at the Weinam Creek hub at Redland Bay and for specific projects such as the Willards Farm restoration works at Birkdale Community Precinct.

These two precincts are defining catalyst projects for the city that Council has committed to, and which will bring significant benefits to the Redlands Coast community well into the future.

Council’s Financial Strategy 2023-2033, its framework for financial sustainability, outlines that key intergenerational infrastructure should be financed in a way “which allows any significant financial burden to be spread over a number of years and not impact adversely on current or future ratepayers”.

Council is currently in the process of finalising its capital works program for the 2024-25 financial year, in preparation for Council’s Special Budget Meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.

In showcasing its dedication to advancing project delivery on Redlands Coast, Redland City Council recently hosted its second annual briefing for infrastructure industry professionals.

Against a backdrop of Council achieving a record year for project delivery, 160 industry representatives attended the briefing at Alexandra Hills – some from as far away as Victoria.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said key Council officers took to the floor with information about Council’s procurement and tendering processes, and the best ways of working with the organisation to help deliver important infrastructure for the Redlands Coast community.

“The event also delivered a successful networking opportunity for the many planners, designers, asset managers, project managers and others who attended,” she said.

“It was great to have so many industry professionals engaging with Council to get a better idea of how to work with us and what our expectations are.

“The briefing also gave Council officers the opportunity to hear from the industry about their needs and processes, and how we as a local government can best work with them.

“With the infrastructure market tight and the costs of project delivery so challenged at present, events such as this, where Council and industry come together to see how we can all best deliver for our community, are vital.

“I was recently advised that Council’s inaugural infrastructure industry briefing in 2023 was a great success that set Council up for a year of delivering more projects in our city than in any other financial year.”

The Mayor said these projects included a more than $40 million investment in the Wellington Street/Panorama Road upgrade.

“This work is improving conditions for motorists by turning what was two very busy lanes into four,” she said.

“This is an outstanding result for our community, and events such as these industry briefings only help to forge and strengthen relationships with industry professionals in this highly competitive market.”

Other projects include the ongoing restoration of heritage-listed buildings at Willards Farm in Birkdale, citywide footpath and asphalt programs, island road sealing, multiple park upgrades across the city, and more.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.

The new traffic lights at the intersection of Wellington Street and Panorama Drive in Thornlands are on in time for Christmas, with the road upgrade project reaching the major milestone right on schedule.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said seeing the new intersection in action was a fabulous end to a highly productive year for the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project.

“It is great to see this new intersection with traffic lights, and lanes between South Street and the new intersection, operational in time for Christmas,” Cr Williams said.

“Seeing the progress of the road upgrade first-hand and considering the amount of work achieved in only 10 months is very impressive.

“Works are now more than 56 percent complete, with more than 3400m2 of shared cycling/pedestrian pathway and 1294m2 of concrete median constructed, and more than 17,000 tonnes of asphalt laid.

“It is really pleasing to see our city delivering vital infrastructure that will support Redlands Coast for years to come.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said having four lanes along this stretch of road will make a real difference to people’s daily lives.

“For all Redlanders, but especially perhaps those who are part of the growing population in the south of our city, this road will bring numerous benefits,” Cr Golle said.

“Improving road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is the project’s key driver, but the upgrade is also expected to alleviate peak-hour congestion, improve work and school commute times, and improve environmental outcomes.

“Turning two lanes into four along this stretch of road will make a real difference.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said works would pause over the Christmas period before recommencing in the new year.

“Workers on this important road upgrade will take a well-earned rest over the Christmas break, with works shutting down at close of business on 22 December 2023 and recommencing on Monday, 8 January 2024,” Cr McKenzie said.

“During the shutdown period, bollards and temporary line marking will be in place to direct motorists on to the altered road sections, with speed limits signposted.

“When work starts again on 8 January 2024, the focus will turn to turfing and landscaping to finish off the newly opened sections of road.”

Motorists are encouraged at all times to drive to conditions, with caution, while respecting the speed limit.

The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive Road Upgrade project is being delivered by Redland City Council. The project is supported by the Australian Government ($15 million) through the Infrastructure Investment Program and the Queensland Government ($500,000) through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

The next section of works on the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication project at Thornlands has been allocated $40.5 million as the largest single commitment in the Redland City Council Budget for 2023-2024.

Mayor Karen Williams said the $430 million community Budget included a targeted and sensible capital expenditure program, valued at more than $135.7 million.

“More than half of Council’s capital spend for 2023-2024 will go towards roads and infrastructure, including key intergenerational projects that will bring significant benefits to our community well into the future,” Cr Williams said.

“Of the $53.37 million provided in the capital spend for transport, roads and traffic projects, $40.5 million has been set aside for the next step in delivering this city-defining road duplication project.

“Starting at the Boundary Road intersection with Panorama Drive at Thornlands, this Budget allocation will largely complete the first stage through to South Street.”

Work has started on stage one of the Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication from Thornlands to Cleveland.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would bring many benefits, including improved traffic flow, improved environmental outcomes, and reduced vehicle operating costs for motorists.

“Thousands of Redlands Coast motorists and other road users will benefit from this road upgrade, and it is encouraging to see the collaborative support from all levels of government to get the project started,” Cr Williams said.

“The improvements here will make a difference to people’s daily lives, with a shorter journey to work for many, improved safety, and a decrease in peak-hour congestion that will see an associated environmental benefit.

“Quicker journeys and less time sitting in congested traffic will, I’m sure, be welcomed by many.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said pre-construction site works had been underway since early 2022, paving the way for the main body of work to get started.

“The benefits from this important project have already commenced, with jobs and local businesses involved in the work to prepare the route,” Cr Golle said.

“All up, around 140 jobs will be created by this project, a welcome boost for the local community in these challenging economic times.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said improved safety was a key driver of the project.

“Improving road safety has been key to the planning of this project and with support from all levels of government this improved roadway will help ensure a safer environment for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, now and into the future,” Cr McKenzie said.

“We’ve been advised the road will remain open throughout works with limited disruption, ensuring minimal impacts will be experienced by road users and neighbours.”

From 6 February 2023, road users will see variable messaging signage, noise monitoring equipment, surveying and service investigations along the route before main construction work commences in several weeks’ time.

To help ensure the safety of other road users and the team building the new road, motorists are urged to drive to conditions and observe any traffic directions.

Council has contracted Brisbane-based Georgiou Group Pty Ltd to deliver stage one, which is expected to be completed mid-2024.

This stage will see road duplication along Panorama Drive from Boundary Road to the Wellington Street intersection and on Wellington Street from the Panorama Drive intersection as far as South Street, Thornlands.

The intersections at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive and Panorama Drive/Wellington Street will also be upgraded.

The total project costs for stage one are approximately $57.4 million, which includes about $42 million from Redland City Council, $15 million from the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program and $465,000 from the Queensland Government through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

23 Jun 2022