Fairfield Central and surrounding streets gripped by traffic congestion problem
Motorists frustrated by lengthy waits in the area around Fairfield Central have spoken out about the need for urgent solutions. See what plan is in motion.
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Work is underway behind the scenes to address long-term traffic congestion plaguing the area around Fairfield Central shopping centre, where motorists have reported wait times of up 50-55 minutes on busy days.
The traffic problem isn’t a new one for the shopping centre, with its social media posts dating back to December 2022 discussing the use of traffic controllers to assist its customers entering and leaving.
Positioned in Townsville’s southern growth corridor, where the population has exploded, multiple new businesses have sprung up and more are on the way, including a potential waterpark, tavern, and apartments, pressure on Idalia’s road network continues to build, heightening the need for urgent solutions.
The Townsville Bulletin’s social media post attracted an avalanche of feedback about motorist wait times in the area.
While some said they waited just five minutes to exit, Vance Palmer waited 55min, despite traffic management being in place, while Thomas Kelly sat for nearly 50min, and Hannah McLean waited “close to an hour” on the Easter long weekend.
Kat Maree waited around 45min but said a typical busy weekend took about 25min to get clear, with others declaring they now steered clear on weekends.
Some motorists accused traffic controllers of making the situation worse, while others questioned how the design and layout of the traffic flow had been approved in the first place.
Speaking on behalf of Fairfield Central, Lancini marketing manager Rhianna Klemenc said the company was aware that traffic in and around the centre had been a concern for some time.
“We understand how frustrating traffic congestion can be and genuinely appreciate the community’s continued patience and feedback,” she said.
“We’re committed to working with the right stakeholders to find long-term, practical solutions that prioritise both convenience and safety for everyone.
“Fairfield Central is owned and managed by families who live and work in the Townsville region, and just like you, we want to see the best for our community.
“During peak time, traffic management is hired to help improve flow and reduce congestion, while longer-term solutions continue to be explored.”
She said there appeared to be a range of contributing factors to the “complex issue”, including increased activity in the area, growth in surrounding suburbs, and general infrastructure limitations.
“There is definitely an understanding that ongoing and future developments will add further pressure, and that long-term planning and co-ordination are important. It’s something that is being taken seriously by the Fairfield Central team,” she said.
“A range of options are currently being explored to improve traffic flow. One key concept under active consideration is the introduction of a left-out onto the Bruce Highway. We’re continuing to work closely with stakeholders, including Council, as part of this process.
“While final designs and approvals are still being finalised, we are committed to proceeding with the proposed left-out onto the Bruce Highway.”
The project was currently in the early design phase, with further work required to confirm feasibility, scope, and cost, as well as to determine funding arrangements.
A Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesman acknowledged the community’s concerns regarding the area’s congestion.
“While no formal community feedback has been received, TMR is aware of concerns raised informally through social media and local discussions about congestion in the area,” he said.
“The Stage 3 development – which includes Dan Murphy’s – will have modifications to access locations, including a new exit from the complex onto Racecourse Road.
“Recent line marking improvements have been completed in collaboration with Townsville City Council at the entry/exit near the Lakeside Drive/Darcy Drive roundabout.
TMR was working with relevant stakeholders, including Townsville City Council and developers to monitor traffic conditions and ensure that future developments were supported by appropriate infrastructure planning.
Townsville City Council was asked for comment.
What’s the longest it’s taken for you to get out of the Fairfield Central car park?
Gerri Gerri: I don’t go there because of the traffic.
Shauni Todd: 34 mins to get out after doing an online coles pick up. ️Would use Woolies now or drive the Annandale Coles collect than go through Fairfield over a weekend.
Lea Keast: 5 minutes.
Marie Deer: 5 minutes. Just use the intersection with the traffic lights. These are in the correct place. How can there be lights at the other intersection next to a roundabout? Just use the exit with the lights. It’s not hard.
Thomas Kelly: I’ve sat there for nearly 50 minutes.
Tim Oneill: Not on a Saturday it will take about 30 minutes.
Kat Maree: 45 around Christmas. Busy weekend- about 25 minutes.
Judy Nelson: Depends on day, time and time of year. I use traffic lights down near Coles, the other end is a no go due to congestion.
Jackie Kerr: Went to go in on Sunday. Drove around. Very little parks. Drove out and so did everyone else. LOL. Seriously a long wait.
Zac Carabot: It’s totally outrageous. How a single egress point was approved during the DA process is beyond me. Traffic control makes it worse IMO when they’re installed to ‘assist’.
Georgina Walker: It is bad when they have to hire stop n go people to allow customers exiting the centre near the new child care that should not have been built on the corner, I do hope the children aren’t playing behind that fence the way some people drive. I won’t shop there on Sat mornings. They need to fix it.
Hannah McLean: Easter long weekend was the worst! Close to an hour!
Janene Lillyman: It’s the worst shopping centre to exit I have ever been to. In any city or state.
Sharon Mulligan: 15 mins on Saturday and Sundays, I now don’t go there on the weekends.
Sarah Trusz: Avoid it on weekends, nightmare going to work Saturdays, wait for ever to get a carpark for work at the Woolworths end.
Ann Mel: Poor layout so many entry points and only 2x exit points.
Julie Flintoff: I don’t go there anymore. too frustrating.
Helen Ware: 25 minutes. Worse on a Saturday can sit there for 30 minutes. Most times I go down Cole’s end to exit but a lot of cars are now going that way to.
Annette AG: Don’t go on a Sat morning.
Hayley Smith: 45 mins.
Penny Fairearth: Traffic design there must have been designed by a committee in Melbourne who would never actually have to drive in there.
Glenda Smith: Weekends there are long waits. Weekdays are okay.
Relan Storey: 35-40 minutes on Easter weekend.
Justin Cavill: 5 mins.
Tinia Martin: 45 minutes its crazy, so now when it’s school holidays, long weekends, easter or Christmas. Fairfield Central has lost my business.
Carty Jennifer Louise: Traffic lights are in the wrong spot they need them at the first exit too particularly with that new daycare there.
Robyn Attwood: I made the mistake of going to Bunnings when the races were on last year. The traffic in the Bunnings carpark was in gridlock. I couldn’t even get out of my parking space to join the queue … It was absolutely appalling.
Vance C Palmer: 55 minutes with the “ traffic management “ in control.
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Originally published as Fairfield Central and surrounding streets gripped by traffic congestion problem
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