Track closure makes way for new intersection
Date published: 23 October 2026
Townsville’s popular Mount Louisa Walking Track will temporarily close next week to help unlock more housing in the Cosgrove development through the construction of a new intersection at the corner of Bayswater Road and Weston Street.
The closure of approximately four weeks will enable works on the Bayswater Road extension and signalised intersection to be completed, while work on the Woolcock and Weston Streets intersection continues.
Mayor Nick Dametto said Council was working with local developers to support Townsville's growth and increase housing supply across the region.
“Townsville is a growing regional city, and projects like this are an important part of planning for our future,” Cr Dametto said.
“We are open for business, and Council is proud to be working alongside local developer Parkside to deliver the infrastructure needed to support new housing and our growing community.
“Meeting demand for homes remains one of the biggest challenges facing our region, so investments like this are about getting ahead of that growth and making sure we have the right infrastructure in place.
“The new connection into Cosgrove will improve access for residents and help support the continued development of one of Townsville’s fastest-growing suburbs.”
Parkside Development General Manager Simon Walker said the new Bayswater Road extension would stretch 480 metre into the Cosgrove Estate, creating a new eastern entrance via the new Weston and Woolcock Street signalised intersection.
“This new linkage will give Cosgrove residents another way in and out of our growing suburb, and is a critical link in opening up the next stage of housing,” Mr Walker said.
“Working alongside Council to build enabling infrastructure like roads helps in the vision to deliver more housing, faster.”
Councillor Dametto said Council would utilise the temporary trail closure to complete important maintenance works ahead of the wet season.
"We know the Mount Louisa Walking Track is incredibly popular, so, we'll be making the most of the opportunity to carry out important maintenance works and improve the trail," Cr Dametto said.
“Our crews will be levelling worn sections of track, repairing eroded areas, topping up exposed geogrid, and carrying out general maintenance, including vegetation management.
“We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting active outdoors, so while these works are underway, I encourage regular Mount Louisa users to explore some of the other fantastic tracks right across Townsville.”
The Mount Louisa Walking trail will close on Monday and is expected to reopen late November 2026 subject to weather.
For more information on walking trails in Townsville, visit Walking & Cycling Trails.
Community Sentiment Survey
Council’s Community Sentiment Survey is a city-wide survey that gives community members the opportunity to tell Council what is working well, what needs improvement and what matters most to them. The survey closes 30 October 2026.
Capital Works Program
To keep Townsville growing, Council is actively involved in the delivery of projects to provide vital infrastructure and exciting development opportunities.
Entries are now open for Strand Ephemera 2027
Artists are invited to submit concepts that will form the North’s premier pop-up public art festival. Spark imagination and wonder, with artworks that celebrate Queensland’s unique stories – creating connection and lasting inspiration. Entries close: 10am, Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Recovery Roadshow
Council is taking recovery support on the road, with a series of community events planned across some of our region’s more remote communities. Connected communities recover better - let’s do it together.
They Will Be Kings
Uniting some of Australia’s most exciting & influential trans activists, drag king performers and award-winning artists to rewrite the queer history of 21st Century Australia. Join the revolution. Celebrate the Kings.