Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road upgrade program

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Image from fly-through animation video showing how the road will change.

Image from fly-through animation video showing how the road will change.

The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road upgrade program is a road duplication project servicing a key Council controlled north-south arterial link in the centre north of Redland City.

On 2 September 2020, Redland City Council approved funding for the first stage of the three stage program.

This program will bring numerous benefits to the people of Redlands Coast including improved journey to work times, decreased peak hour congestion, and increased vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety.

The project is also expected to create nearly 70 jobs for Redlands Coast residents and another 70 for other Queenslanders.

The Australian Government will provide $15 million towards intersection upgrades along the route through the Infrastructure Investment Program and the Queensland Government is providing $465,000 through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program 2021-2022.

The three stages of the program include:

  1. Stage 1- Boundary Road to South Street, Thornlands (2020-2024)
  2. Stage 2- South Street to Bay Street, Thornlands/ Cleveland (TBC*)
  3. Stage 3- Bay Street to Russell Street, Cleveland (TBC*)

Stage 1 will involve 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. Intersection upgrades at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive and Panorama Drive/Wellington Street will deliver greater road capacity and safety benefits.

Minor disruptions are likely to occur as works progress and advance notice will be provided to road users during these times. While disruptions are expected, much of the work will allow for the existing road to continue to carry traffic while the new lanes are constructed on the adjacent road reserve. Safety is a key priority for Council and there may be some reduction in posted speed limits during construction.

Stage 2 will see the road duplication continue along Wellington Street from South Street to Bay Street, and Stage 3 from Bay Street to Russell Street.

* Stage 2 and Stage 3 works are subject to future Council approval, availability of Federal and State grants and other city-wide capital works priorities.

Image from fly-through animation video showing how the road will change.

The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road upgrade program is a road duplication project servicing a key Council controlled north-south arterial link in the centre north of Redland City.

On 2 September 2020, Redland City Council approved funding for the first stage of the three stage program.

This program will bring numerous benefits to the people of Redlands Coast including improved journey to work times, decreased peak hour congestion, and increased vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety.

The project is also expected to create nearly 70 jobs for Redlands Coast residents and another 70 for other Queenslanders.

The Australian Government will provide $15 million towards intersection upgrades along the route through the Infrastructure Investment Program and the Queensland Government is providing $465,000 through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program 2021-2022.

The three stages of the program include:

  1. Stage 1- Boundary Road to South Street, Thornlands (2020-2024)
  2. Stage 2- South Street to Bay Street, Thornlands/ Cleveland (TBC*)
  3. Stage 3- Bay Street to Russell Street, Cleveland (TBC*)

Stage 1 will involve 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. Intersection upgrades at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive and Panorama Drive/Wellington Street will deliver greater road capacity and safety benefits.

Minor disruptions are likely to occur as works progress and advance notice will be provided to road users during these times. While disruptions are expected, much of the work will allow for the existing road to continue to carry traffic while the new lanes are constructed on the adjacent road reserve. Safety is a key priority for Council and there may be some reduction in posted speed limits during construction.

Stage 2 will see the road duplication continue along Wellington Street from South Street to Bay Street, and Stage 3 from Bay Street to Russell Street.

* Stage 2 and Stage 3 works are subject to future Council approval, availability of Federal and State grants and other city-wide capital works priorities.

  • Lights on for Christmas as road upgrade reaches major milestone

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    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.

  • Boost for massive road duplication project

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    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.”

    The next largest road project funded in the Budget is $5.48 million for an upgrade to Double Jump Road, Victoria Point.

    Cr Williams said the infrastructure expenditure included progressing catalyst projects as outlined in Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

    “In future-building for our city, the Budget provides $33.85 million for infrastructure projects, with $9.92 million allocated to fund the next stage of the exciting Birkdale Community Precinct, including restoration of the historic Willards Farm,” she said.

    “A further $8.61 million will go towards the continued redevelopment of the Weinam Creek hub at Redland Bay, which will become a real focal point for the southern Redlands Coast.”

    For more information, see Council’s 2023-2024 Budget webpage.

  • Work starts on major road duplication

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    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.

  • Council budget funds major long-term projects

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    23 Jun 2022

    Two exciting intergenerational projects are at the heart of Redland City Council’s $396 million 2022-23 Budget.

    In handing down the 2022-2023 Budget, Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors were committed to delivering the projects local families had been asking for.

    “This year’s Budget is all about delivering for today while also planning for tomorrow,” she said.

    “Local families will be the real winners with two key intergenerational projects set to deliver public water parks, sporting fields and plenty of space to enjoy the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.

    “This includes the Birkdale precinct, the largest, most exciting and diverse community project ever delivered,” she said.

    “Council has just finished consultation on the Draft Master Plan for the Birkdale Community Precinct and now this budget allocates $12.7 million to fund the next stage, which includes the restoration of the Willards Farm building.

    “When complete, this exciting project will include a public swimming lagoon, entertainment and innovation precinct.

    “It will be our version of South Bank and Victoria Park all rolled into one and will be enjoyed by generations of Redlanders.

    “This year’s Budget also includes an initial $15 million funding towards Stage 1 of the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct at Mount Cotton, which will give our cycling and BMX stars of tomorrow somewhere to participate in the sports they love.

    “The complex multi-stage and multi-year project, being developed in a globally challenging environment, will also give families and visitors a great new location in the south of the city to enjoy the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast with an exciting play experience, picnic areas and trails and bike activity area.

    “The play space includes a water play area for cooling down on a hot summer’s day, designed to reflect the environmental story of this wonderful site.”

    Cr Williams said the budget, delivered during a time of rising costs, reduced revenue and high inflation, included funding for other major, long-term projects.

    “This includes more than $20 million for the duplication of Wellington Street/Panorama Drive to help ease congestion, $5 million for the Weinam Creek project and $4.41 million towards the Southern Moreton Bay Ferry Terminals Upgrade for Lamb and Karragarra Islands.”

    Cr Williams said Council was able to commit to these exciting projects because of its strong cash reserves.

    “It is important to point out that these projects will be funded through cash reserves as a priority over general rates, reducing the burden on ratepayers.

    “So while other Council are being forced to cut projects due to external cost pressures the money we have saved over previous years means we can deliver the projects residents have been asking us for.

    “Council is facing external cost pressures including inflation and supply chain challenges that make it more expensive to do business.

    “The State Government has again increased our bulk water bill by nearly $1 million to $46 million – which represents 11.6 per cent of Council’s total budget.

    “Despite these challenges, Council has chosen to absorb many of these external costs rather than passing them on to ratepayers.

    “The result is about 98 cents a week (or 4.72 per cent) increase to the minimum general rate for an average owner occupier in Redland City.

    “Despite land valuations increasing on average 25 per cent across the city, Council has adjusted the rate in the dollar so as to not pass on these higher land valuations to ratepayers and to keep rate rises well below the Brisbane consumer price index.

    “To keep rates rises as low as possible, for the 2022-23 financial year Council is budgeting an operating deficit of $4.1 million.

    “Had we not included a deficit this year, rates rises would have been higher.

    “Through years of prudent and sound financial management, especially during the financial impacts of COVID-19 public health measures, we are in an enviable position where we can use a deficit to offset pain on ratepayers because we have kept money in the bank.

    2022-23 Budget at a glance:

    • $396 million investment in Redlands Coast
    • The minimum general rate will increase by 4.72 per cent (or 98 cents per week) for an average owner occupier in Redland City
    • Projected operating deficit of $4.1 million
    • Capital expenditure program of $116 million
    • Total pensioner rebates of almost $3.2 million, with rates rebates of $335 a year for a full pensioner or $167.50 for a part-pensioner.

    Capital expenditure program at a glance:

    • $37.64 million for parks, open space and conservation
    • $26.77 million for transport, roads and traffic projects
    • $18.08 million for water, waste and wastewater projects
    • $13.35 million for marine and foreshore projects
    • $10.04 million for infrastructure projects such as transport, buildings and stormwater
    • $8.42 million for other capital works projects
    • $1.46 million for community and cultural development
  • Major road upgrade to bring raft of benefits to Redlands Coast

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    29 Apr 2022

    Major road upgrade to bring raft of benefits to Redlands Coast

    Redlands Coast road users are set to benefit as work on $30 million Stage 1 of Wellington Street/Panorama Drive upgrade program gets underway.

    Mayor Karen Williams said the program, which is supported by the Australian Government through the Urban Congestion Fund, would help residents get around the city safer and faster.

    “Nobody likes being stuck in traffic and representing one of Council’s largest ever road investments, this project will reduce congestion and help residents get home to their families sooner,” Cr Williams said.

    “The first stage of the project will see the road duplicated from Boundary Road to South Street, with work to begin in the near future and be completed by the end of next year.

    “This project is an example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together, with the Federal Government providing funding to help make it a reality.”

    Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said the project would create around 140 jobs for Queenslanders and would bring limited disruption.

    “Knowing the benefits, I’m excited to see the commencement of this road upgrade program and look forward to enjoying the benefits the duplicated road will bring,” Cr Golle said.

    “Redlands Coast residents will directly benefit from the creation of around 70 local jobs related to the project, with a further 70 jobs to be created across Queensland.

    “Foresight from our city planners has allowed space for the road duplication, meaning impacts on neighbouring properties have been limited and works can be carried out with limited disruption to traffic flow.”

    Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the project would bring improved safety for all road users.

    “Duplication of this road will see additional shoulders for cyclists, dedicated turning lanes, a pedestrian and cyclist shared path for the full length on the western side of the road, and signalised intersections,” she said.

    “These features will make it easier to use the road and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

    The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication will be completed over three stages and is estimated to cost a total of $90 million. The stages are:

    • Stage 1: Boundary Road to South Street, Thornlands (early to mid-2022 – late 2023)
    • Stage 2: South Street, Thornlands to Bay Street, Cleveland (2024-2027, to be confirmed subject to funding)
    • Stage 3: Bay Street to Russell Street, Cleveland (2027-2030, to be confirmed subject to funding).

    The project will benefit from Federal Government funding for intersection upgrades at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive, Panorama Drive/Wellington Street and Wellington Street/Weippin Street.

Page last updated: 22 Mar 2024, 10:48 AM