Pedal power: Have your say on future of Goondiwindi Region cycling

Goondiwindi Region residents are being encouraged to have their say on the future of cycling routes in the region, with residents in smaller towns like Inglewood and Texas especially encouraged to give their feedback about suggested cycling routes in their communities.

Goondiwindi Regional Council and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) are working together to review and update the Principal Cycle Network (PCN) for the Goondiwindi Region.

The PCN lays out a blueprint for the core bicycle riding routes needed to encourage more Queenslanders to cycle more often. The routes on the Principal Cycle Network are indicative only, and will help to guide future planning and investment in Queensland's transport network.

Because of a recent change in funding guidelines, Council can now access funds for cycling infrastructure upgrades in smaller towns such as Inglewood and Texas. Council is especially urging residents in those communities to give their feedback to TMR about where they would like to see potential cycle routes.

Residents can give their feedback on the TMR consultation website, which also features an interactive map of current PCN-funded cycle ways in Goondiwindi: https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/queensland-principal-cycle-network

Consultation will remain open until Wednesday, 31 August 2022.

Cr Jason Watts holds Council’s portfolio for Roads and Transport. He said the review will help ensure the local PCN reflects the Goondiwindi Region’s current and future demand for cycling infrastructure and encourages residents to make the choice to cycle more often.

“I really want to urge residents to give their feedback to TMR so that, together with Council, we can continue to create safe, high-quality cycle ways for our community,” Cr Watts said. “The PCN acts as a guide for further planning of our local bicycle infrastructure network so it’s important that it reflects what our community needs,” he said.

“Having safe routes for cycling is so important - especially in relatively small urban areas like Goondiwindi and our other towns, where there are so many attractions and facilities within a fairly short distance,” he said.

“Whether you’re cycling to work or school, or cycling with the family on the weekend, well-connecting cycling routes can encourage an active lifestyle and it goes without saying that cycling also has many great health benefits.”

So far, the PCN has funded the construction of the following cycle paths in Goondiwindi:

• Old Cunningham Highway (from McLean Street to Racecourse Road)
• McLean Street (from Winton Street to the levee)
• Frideswide Street (from Marshall Street to Gibson Street)
• Gibson Street (from Frideswide Street to Lilly Drive)
• Short Street (from levee to Russell Street)
• Riddle Street (from Russell Street to Darling Street)
• Sandhurst Street (from Russell Street to Francis Street)
• Brennans Road (from West Street to Noud Street)

For more information about the PCN, and how you can have your say, visit the TMR website: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling/Principal-cycle-network/Principal-Cycle-Network-Plans