Major Murray Street upgrade underway in North Ward

Multi-million dollar works to upgrade decades’ old road infrastructure are underway in North Ward, with Townsville City Council kicking off the next stage of its Murray Street Roadworks and Services Upgrade.

The works will see more than 330m of road reconstructed along Murray Street between Gregory and Victoria streets, sections of footpath renewed on either side of Murray Street as well as significant stormwater, sewerage and watermain upgrades.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the $3.3 million upgrade was proudly funded by the State Government’s Works for Queensland Program.

Councillor Dametto said he was pleased to see Council powering ahead with its capital works program to ensure the community’s growing transport and water needs continued to be met.

“I am looking forward to seeing this project progressing over the coming months - this will be the first time this section of infrastructure has been upgraded in about four decades so it’s time to get the job done,” he said.

“Additionally the works being completed to the existing water and wastewater pipes will improve service delivery and prevent service disruptions into the future.”

Divisional Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney thanked the Crisafulli Government for providing the funding necessary to make the project possible.

“This is pretty much a total refurb of that stretch of road and its surrounding, essential infrastructure and that sort of project doesn’t come cheap, so we are very grateful to the Queensland Government for its support,” Cr Greaney said.

“I would also just like to pre-emptively thank the community for their patience as our crews work hard in the coming months, keeping in mind there will be some disruptions and detours in place.”

Minister for Local Government Ann Leahy said this project is a great example of local and state government working together to improve long-term resilience for the Townsville community.

“That’s why the Crisafulli Government committed to making the Works for Queensland funding program permanent, backing councils with the financial certainty for continued progress in regional and rural infrastructure,” Minister Leahy said.

State Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said for too long, local infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with our growing communities.

“These upgrades are addressing this gap by delivering safer streets, better access and infrastructure that stands up to Queensland conditions,” Mr Baillie said.

“The Crisafulli Government is investing in the regions after a decade of decline under Labor and we are looking forward to seeing Council deliver this project on time and on budget."

The Murray Street Roadworks and Services Upgrade is now underway and is scheduled to be completed by October.

Detours have been in place since mid-April, with road, sewer and watermain works now underway.