River Rose Drive Norman Gardens connection from Bunning to estate

Rockhampton Regional Council will seek funding for a project to connect a quiet residential street River Rose Drive with a busy Bunnings complex - and not everyone is happy about it. Read the full details here.

The connection of River Rose Drive from the Rockhampton Bunnings complex to Forest Park Estate in Norman Gardens is estimated to cost $2.2 million with the works scheduled for the 2022/23 financial year.

The connection would link up the two existing sections of River Rose Drive.

River Rose Drive from the end of the Bunnings side. The land in between is to be transformed for a road through to the housing estate.

The end of River Rose Drive from the Forest Park Estate side.

Rockhampton Regional Council initially tabled the project for this financial year but it was pushed back due to other works.

Over the years, there has been criticism from residents over the project.

River Rose Drive in 2018.

There are concerns the quiet residential road would become a “rat race” and a shortcut to the very busy Yeppoon Road as River Rose Drive connects through to Norman Road at its eastern end.

It was discussed at the council table the possibility of a load limit on the road so trucks would not be able to use it and for speedbumps to be installed.

Council will be seeking funding for the project through government grants, along with the reconstruction of Campbell Street, between Albert and Cambridge, reconstruction.

If successful in the grant funding, the project would need to be completed by June 30, 2023.

Council is eligible to apply for up to $2,966,910 in this particular program - the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Housing development near River Rose Drive and Bramble St Norman Gardens photographed from the air in May 2012. Photo Chris Ison / The Morning Bulletin.

Camping and fishing store Freddys at the Bunnings complex is having a closing down sale and is expected to close in three weeks.

The store opened in 2013, back when Masters was operating out of the complex.