Qld Government gives green light to Gympie funeral parlour traffic plan

Residents’ concerns about the impact a controversial funeral parlour would have on traffic near KFC have not been shared by the state government

Residents’ concerns that a funeral parlour proposed for the corner of the Bruce Highway and Channon St would create traffic chaos have not been shared by Transport and Main Roads, which has given the development’s plans to use the existing driveway a green light.

Members of the Gympie community may question the impact a funeral parlour, proposed to be built at the corner of Channon St and the Bruce Highway, will have on traffic but the state government does not share their concerns.

Transport and Main Roads has given the green light for the development to continue using the existing driveway on the block.

In its planning decision sent to the Gympie Regional Council, the department stated the entrance was “suitable” for the traffic expected to use it.

The driveway previously serviced Brodies fast-food restaurant and retail shops, which have since been demolished.

Developer InvoCare wants to open the funeral parlour as part of a development already approved at the block.

The approved development includes a new showroom for Supercheap Auto and a strip of retail shops; the parlour would replace the shops.

However the idea has drawn considerable backlash from the community.

The funeral parlour would be part of the complex to be developed on the block previously occupied by Brodies fast-food restaurant.

Critics have called the intended location next to an aged care centre and opposite KFC inappropriate, and flagged concerns about traffic and parking.

The developers have defended the funeral parlour’s intended position.

TMR said the driveway, which was approved years ago, would not create a safety hazard on Channon St.

Conditions will be imposed by the state to ensure the safety of the driveway access and the state has reserved the right to cut that access if safety becomes an issue.

Despite the state’s approval of the traffic plan, the funeral parlour must still be approved by Gympie Regional Council.

It is expected to be brought before councillors at the next general meeting on June 30.