A detailed design of the CBD was delivered in 2019 .
Bundaberg CBD revitalisation plans are back on the table as Bundaberg Regional Council investigates how it can stage upgrades to meet community priorities within current financial means.
A detailed design of the CBD was delivered in 2019 and it’s now back on the agenda following the launch of Council’s Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project.
Mayor Blackburn said the CBD revitalisation design, which underwent significant community consultation during its conception, had stood the test of time.
“We’ve dusted off the plans to review them and from our expert staff to the Councillors around the table we all agreed that the work done to date remains current,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The proposal would modernise our CBD, create more shade and community event spaces and improve the flow of traffic.
“While we’re currently focussed on working with all relevant organisations and agencies to make our CBD a safe space, our vision is to ensure it continues to be a thriving place.
“This goal would be significantly boosted through these infrastructure design outcomes which would encourage more outdoor dining and events within our CBD.
“On review of the plans it was also clear that community feedback received at the time, from residents and businesses alike, continues to reflect current sentiment and challenges for this space.”
Mayor Blackburn said, while the designs delivered in 2019 remained current, Council could not commit to delivering any works without further planning.
“What we now need to do is investigate how we can rescope and adapt these plans and begin to deliver elements of the design which prioritise the changes that will create the biggest impact for our community without resulting in excessive financial burden on Council or our ratepayers.
“This is an important project which we’re committed to progressing however we have worked hard to repair our financial sustainability so we’re making sure we take a measured approach to the next steps.”
As Council reviews its revitalisation plans the focus will be on:
Increasing public space for events, activations and exploration
Adding more shade
Improving parking concerns and maintaining seating capacity
More outdoor dining
“We want to update the infrastructure in our CBD so it continues to reflect our unique identity, remains a hub for the Bundaberg and Wide Bay regions and celebrates our heritage and environment.
“By enhancing the experience everyone has when they visit the city centre we can make people want to stay longer, explore further and reclaim the vibrancy of our CBD.”
Feedback has been heard
The creation of the original design underwent significant community feedback.
This included community consultation sessions as well as a Community Reference Group which consulted on the design and was made up of a broad cross-section of community and CBD trader representatives.
Some of the issues highlighted by residents included:
• Potential cost impacts for community
• Construction timing impacts for businesses
• Footpath accessibility
• Quality of signage and awnings
• Parking availability
Mayor Blackburn said Council believed these points continued to reflect current community sentiment and consideration of these matters would help to guide the revised approach.
Read more about the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project on Council’s website.