Yelarbon's new footpath paves the way for pedestrian safety

Goondiwindi Regional Council has completed the construction of a new footpath in Yelarbon aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

Council replaced the concrete walkway on Taloom Street including the stretch in front of the busy Yelarbon Post Office.

The Yelarbon Community Consultative Committee (CCC) had previously raised concerns about the risk to pedestrians, especially older community members, of tripping on the existing pathway. As well as improving pedestrian safety, the new footpath will also act as a foundation for additional beautification works identified as part of the Yelarbon ‘master plan’, such as the planting of native trees and the installation of an irrigation system.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, Council has allocated $200,000 in funding from W4Q towards the project with an additional $33,000 allocated from the Yelarbon CCC budget.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the project would complement the success of the Yelarbon CCC master plan so far.

“The improvements achieved by the Yelarbon CCC’s advocacy and their proactive engagement in the consultation process is a great demonstration of a community working together to achieve fantastic outcomes for their residents and visitors,” the Mayor said.

“I know a lot of residents have also volunteered their own time to work on projects across the town and have given up their weekends to improve its presentation. It is greatly appreciated by visitors and fellow locals, and I really commend them for their efforts,” he said.

Over recent years, the improvements achieved by the Yelarbon CCC include the new shade shelters at the silo viewing area, an audio sign that shares the story of the Yelarbon State School song, ANZAC soldier sculptures and several poppy sculptures at the Yelarbon Memorial Park, and numerous history storytelling boards.

“All of these initiatives are attributable to the CCC and the wider community working together,” Cr Springborg said.

The Taloom Street footpath project will complement Council’s 2020 Eena Street footpath construction, which completed the walking track from the Yelarbon main street to the popular lagoon. The Yelarbon lagoon has a popular walking track along the waterfront, which connects back to the skate park, barbecue and picnic tables at the recreation grounds.

Additional ‘master plan’ projects delivered by the Yelarbon CCC

• A new historical display by the Yelarbon Men’s Shed at the Yelarbon silo viewing area, including new signage, gates, and solar lights.
• Improvements to the historical weighbridge at the Yelarbon silo viewing area.
• New dingo sculptures and replica fence installed by the Dingo Barrier Fence strainer post.
• New signs around the town that inform visitors about the Desert Jewels Biodiversity Walk and historical sites like the railway and rabbit works.