Bus interchange delay adds to flood-hit Toombul shopping centre woes

New problems are delaying the recommissioning of a bus interchange at flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre, adding further woes for northside residents. Here’s what’s causing the latest delay.

Electrical problems have delayed the recommissioning of the busy Toombul Shopping Centre bus interchange which was damaged during the February flood.

Buses have had to queue on Sandgate Rd, outside the flood-ravaged centre, in peak periods, or on side streets, with no shelter or even seating until recently.

It is not known when the interchange, one of the biggest on the northside, will be back in service.

The problem comes after centre owner Mirvac revealed earlier this year that Toombul would not reopen for at least six months, based on its experience with one of its Bundaberg shopping centres which was inundated in 2013.

Many traders fear it could be closer to 12 months before Toombul fully reopens.

Flood damage earlier this year at Toombul Shopping Centre.

A Council spokeswoman confirmed its buses could not safely service the interchange because of access and electrical issues.

“Temporary seating has been arranged and was in place last week at Grace St,’’ she said.

The new seating was for bus on routes 300, 301, 307, 308, 321, 326, 327, 369, 590, school services and Australian Catholic University shuttles.

“Updated stop signage has been arranged to help customers to identify which routes are servicing each stop,’’ she said.

“These will be installed at stops in Grace St from today (Thursday April 21).’’

Mirvac was asked when the bus interchange could reopen on its property, but had not responded by time of writing.

Flooding at Toombul shopping centre. Picture: Aaron Symonds

No timeframe has been set for reopening the interchange.

A Toombul Shopping Centre spokeswoman said the interchange and carpark would remain closed “while we continue to work with specialist contractors to make the site safe and to undertake critical decontamination works’’.

“As a result, buses can no longer safely access and exit the bus interchange that previously fronted Sandgate Rd,’’ she said.

“We understand the inconvenience this is causing the community and will continue to assist Brisbane City Council while the carpark remains closed.

“The safety of our community remains our highest priority.’’