Advancing the vision for the Goondiwindi CBD streetscape plan

In 2023, Goondiwindi Region residents participated in consultation to develop plans for the Goondiwindi CBD area. Council received over 300 responses to the concept plans, in addition to face-to-face workshops and drop-in sessions.

The next design phase will commence later this year and will include detail about proposed tree species, locations of carparks, number of bins, proposed seating, and more. Consideration will be given to feedback received during consultation at all points of the project.

“Through this on-going engagement process, I want every resident to know that they’ve had an opportunity to advise Council on what is important to them in the main street”, said the Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM.     

"Council and local businesses regularly receive compliments about the attractiveness and tidiness of the Goondiwindi CBD. We want to plan for a future that delivers functionality, community pride, and town attractiveness in the Goondiwindi CBD. Council is aware that some features of the existing CBD are already starting to date, and as this is a long lead time project we want to be on the front foot when planning, designing and securing funding to meet the demands of tomorrow.

“The Goondiwindi CBD is a service hub for thousands of people on both sides of the border, it’s important we get this right,” said the Mayor.

Some of the main points identified in the concept design consultation in 2023 that will be considered in the more detailed design later this year include:

• Parking - Most respondents raised the importance of parking for businesses and residents visiting the town, especially during busy times. There is strong opposition from businesses in the western block of the CBD to the reduction of parking to facilitate a crossing and roundabout proposed in the original concept plan.
• Landscaping - Overall, Council's existing maintenance was commended, and there is strong support for continuing this high standard. Community members were generally happy with the streetscape quality in the concept plan. There was support for the final design to include maintainable landscaping appropriate for the climate and environment and providing shade.
• Pedestrian Safety - Pedestrian safety was a common theme. Pedestrian right-of-way was a suggested change on Marshall Street.
• Accessibility - The respondents identified the need to accommodate all users of the space, including disabled parking, reducing trip hazards, addressing uneven pavement, and reducing steps into businesses.
• Atmospheric Lighting - Respondents advocated for coloured ambient and atmospheric lighting, such as fairy lights, to create ambience in the CBD, especially throughout the Christmas season.
• Security - Respondents expressed the need for adequate street lighting to improve safety and security and suggested CCTV be considered to reduce crime and vandalism.
• Palm Trees – Community members generally acknowledged that the existing palm trees may be reaching the end of their life. Most respondents would like to see the palm trees removed, citing a lack of connection to the country lifestyle; lack of shade; or for aesthetic reasons. A cohort of respondents are however passionate about the palm trees remaining, some adamant the trees should remain/be replaced in situ, while others are accepting of palm trees being featured in some other capacity in the main street.

The final design will be a plan for a long-term, staged, multi-million-dollar project that promotes a thriving business hub and contributes positively to the liveability for the broader community that access Goondiwindi as a hub.

“Council is committed to engaging all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organisations, in the planning process to ensure that the CBD reflects the aspirations and needs of the residents, businesses and visitors it serves moving forward. At this time, we’ve allocated funding for the design process only.  There have been no decisions made about the Goondiwindi CBD streetscape.  Therefore, it is important that if someone has an opinion, they need to participate in the consultation processes when it arises," said the Mayor.

“Council is also thinking about the delivery phase during this process, and how do we best minimise the impact on local businesses and residents and maximise external funding opportunities.

“The challenge for Council will be to balance all the feedback received with a design that provides reasonable costs to ratepayers for both the construction phase and on-going maintenance.

“Upgrading the Goondiwindi CBD will mean we continue to showcase our region as Regional Australia at its best,” said the Mayor.