Inside the multimillion dollar construction and infrastructure projects set to reshape the Southern Downs
It’s an exciting time to live in the Southern Downs, with many multimillion dollar construction and infrastructure projects expected to transform the region. Take a look inside 10 of the most exciting projects set to shape the Southern Downs.
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It’s a busy time in the Southern Downs region, with a number of million dollar-plus projects underway that are expected to be completed within the next few years.
From beautifying some of Queensland’s hidden gem towns, to improving the safety of treacherous roads, and even ensuring locals have the shops they’ve been wanting for years, here’s what’s under construction across the region.
Take a look at some of the biggest projects reshaping how we live, work and travel in the Southern Downs:
Cunninghams Gap Upgrade
Undertaken by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the massive $86m project aims to upgrade the pass via which many holiday makers enter the Southern Downs.
The stretch of road was heavily damaged during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019, and was a huge concern for residents in the region.
Significant delays are expected during the upgrade process, which is expected to last until at least the end of the year.
“No one knows this stretch better than the people who drive it each and every day, which is why community feedback is so important,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
$2.5m smart metering and water supply network monitoring
New smart meters are expected to be rolled out by the Southern Downs Regional Council which provide water saving capabilities, which have proven to work after a trial in Stanthorpe.
Around 9000 meters will be installed throughout Warwick, Allora, Yangan, Killarney, Dalveen, Leyburn, Wallangarra and Pratten which will provide real-time data on water volumes used and pipe flow rates, to help council pinpoint leaks and save water.
The meters and monitoring system will provide data that can identify suburbs, streets or single properties where unusually high water is being used. This will help council identify where water is being lost and enable actions to be taken to save every drop where possible.
“The Palaszczuk government’s $8.5m investment in smart meter technology highlights our commitment to water security right across the Southern Downs,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher said.
“The smart meter technology will help save water and improve future drought resilience. It also ensures that we minimise water lost through leaks.
“I’m pleased to see more and more councils like the Southern Downs Regional Council committing to water monitoring and water saving technologies.”
The Crossroads
Work has started on a massive residential and industry project in Warwick which is expected to bring a “modern approach” to traditional industrial spaces.
Dubbed by its developers as “the ultimate lifestyle and leisure focused precinct”, the project called The Crossroads is anticipated to be a major development for the Rose City at Morgan Park.
Located at 27 Bracker Rd, the first stage of the project has already kicked off with initial construction underway next to the titular ‘crossroad’ roundabout with easy access to Warwick CBD, Morgan Park, Stanthorpe or Killarney.
Featuring 17 multipurpose lifestyle apartments and commercial sheds, the first stage has been designed to be an entrepreneurial hub for its residents, with the precinct expected to include a cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and retail outlets.
According to The Crossroads website, the development will also have a range of “multipurpose residential and industrial properties at the rear of the development up to 550sq m and could be customised to include office space, a workshop or commercial spaces purchased separately or together with a residential apartment.
With plans to expand into commercial spaces, the first stage of the project offers potential buyers “modern industrial lifestyle apartments” connected to an entertainment hub.
Building designer Paul Brundell said the project was a “modern approach to the industrial sector” and has exciting ideas for possible future development in the area.
Rehabilitation of the Stanthorpe Waste Management Facility
At a cost of $2.3m, the Stanthorpe Waste Management Facility will get a complete overhaul by SDRC over this financial year.
According to a residents’ brochure regarding the upgrade, the current waste facility will continue to be the major facility to accept domestic and commercial waste for residents in and around Stanthorpe.
The reason for the development is due to the fact it’s not economically or environmentally sustainable to continue landfilling once the current cell reaches capacity, to improve traffic management on-site and to reduce existing health and safety risks.
Home & Life – Albion St
A major new commercial development for the Rose City is fast approaching its opening date with some much-wanted stores expected to arrive in Warwick.
Warwick’s Home & Life precinct, located on Albion St, will be a new area to shop and dine, with the final two retail spaces being leased by Colliers.
The two remaining tenants will join a star-studded line-up of national retailers making their home in the Rose City, including BCF, Anytime Fitness and Cafe 63, which residents have been calling out to see for years.
Colliers head of retail leasing Queensland Will Goldsworthy said the project, anchored by national tenants, was expected to be completed in August.
“These developments really suit growing catchments like Warwick as they provide under supplied areas the necessary amenity,” Mr Goldsworthy said.
Horizons: $20m over-55s home revealed
At an estimated cost of about $20m, this massive estate project on the corner of Tooth and Cullen streets in south Warwick is expected to redefine rural life, and attract new residents to the region.
SunLife Warwick’s initial plans feature 86 residential units, amenities, community and all-important green space for residents aged over 55, both from the region and across the state who will migrate to the Rose City.
The project, situated on a 4ha block of land is being touted as designer living by development group SunLife.
SunLife founder and developer Tim Wright said the development will be a boon to the Rose City economy and attract people from all over the state to the region.
“We have community facilities and SunLife is based on having excellent facilities and well designed homes, it’s our whole mantra,” Mr Wright said.
“People really just want well designed homes, they don’t necessarily want them small but often just want them to be functional and ownership too, and we know that things often change so we don’t have any exit fees.”
Stanthorpe Beautification Project
Plans for the redevelopment of a major Southern Downs street are being cemented by council planners and contractors, with local businesses backing the project.
Southern Downs Regional Council stage 1 plans to beautify Stanthorpe’s High St have been revealed, with the project aiming to manage the needs of locals, businesses and tourists to the town “while still maintaining that special Stanthorpe feel”.
Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred said he was looking forward to see the progress throughout the stages.
“Stanthorpe is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food, music and arts scene and the CBD precinct is alive with the town’s unique country charm and quirky localised art,” Mr Tancred said.
“The streetscape project is a labour of love for the community and it’s important that the details of the plan reflect the community’s vision to design a town-centre for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”
Warwick Police Station redevelopment
One of the Southern Downs’ most historic buildings is set for a significant multimillion-dollar transformation, with new changes coming to the way residents and police will use the building.
The more than 120-year-old Warwick Police Station, housed in a historically listed sandstone building, is set for a significant upgrade in a matter of months.
In 2022, a $15m budget for the project to upgrade several of the facilities at the station was announced, which included the watch-house, car parks and creation of a new two-storey building at the rear of the site.
The project is expected to commence towards the end of the 2023, with major changes coming to policing in the region due to the closure of the station for renovations.
Stanthorpe Library and Art Gallery
Stanthorpe Library and Art Gallery is gearing up for a major renovation, in order to protect its legendary stash of incredible art to “benefit the entire community”.
The current building was constructed in 1988, and houses $4m worth of precious art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Margaret Olley.
Before the suggestion of a renovation, the valuable art was stored in the same room as the electrical switches, which pose significant fire risk to the art and personnel.
The project received the green light last year, and is expected to be a new chapter in the attraction’s history.
The upgrade is anticipated to be completed in the 2023/24 financial year.
$7m Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment
It’s unclear what the redevelopment will accomplish, but a report by the SDRC in 2021 revealed massive plans for upgrades including carparking, canteen services and the addition of improved lighting and floodproofing.
“The redevelopment design will address the facility’s viability and sustainability, animal welfare, environmental issues, industry standards, biosecurity, traffic management, information technology and workplace health and safety,” the report stated.
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