ROAD WORKS: Ban Ban Springs upgrade ‘important’ to community
A North Burnett business leader has said a proposed upgrade to a local rest area is vital for the region.
Central & North Burnett
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WITH the Queensland Government’s recent announcement to direct $80,000 towards a Ban Ban Springs rest area upgrade, this decision has been deemed vital to the small town.
President of the Biggenden Chamber of Commerce Kevin Edwards said the area is “tired” and is in desperate need of an upgrade.
“It’s very important that adequate rest areas are provided, especially the overnight ones, to ensure that people don’t travel beyond their safe driving capabilities,” Mr Edwards said.
Mr Edwards said the increased amount of Queenslander’s travelling throughout the state also contributes to the need for this funding.
“The borders are closed, and we’ve got internal people travelling, so the government needs to ensure that they respect the people’s needs and provide facilities which are adequate, safe and hygienic in the current circumstances,” he said.
“The locals need something respectable and for the facilities to align with current day expectations.”
Newer, cleaner toilet facilities, sufficient waste disposal and an improvement to the pedestrian crossing will hopefully attract more tourists and truck drivers to the town.
“It may not encourage people to travel within the area, but it will encourage them to have an overnight stop at Ban Ban, whereas previously they might’ve kept going to one of the larger towns,” the president said.
“The people who travel are on two-way radios, so word of mouth will really help as well.”
Mr Edwards points out the importance of maintenance and keeping within COVID standards, once the project is complete.
“So far this area is COVID safe, we want to keep it that way,” he said.
“It’s something in the right direction, getting down the basics and doing work that’s actually needed.”
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