Innisfail central shopping centre car park sink hole steps revealed by CCRC

A Far Northern council has revealed its next steps towards a developing sink hole at a busy CBD car park and how its repair could open the door to much-needed development.

ENGINEERS are investigating a sudden and developing sink hole at a busy CBD car park in a Far North town, with its repair efforts likely to create new opportunities for Innisfail.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has introduced barricades to a section of the double-storey McGowan Dr carpark, after the damage was reported on Thursday.

The car park is one few off-street public parking facilities and services customers shopping at the Innisfail Food Emporium – the town's main shopping centre.

A CCRC spokesman said until investigations were complete, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the cause.

“Council is currently in the process of undertaking a structural review by a specialised Structural Engineer and once these investigations are complete will be in a position to comment further.

Sinkhole at McGowan Drive Carpark, Innisfail

“Council’s action moving forward will prioritise the safety of public users and surrounding buildings.

“Actions will then focus on the cause of the sinkhole, any potential damage caused to the structure and any required repairs.

“Once an outcome is known, Council will provide the community with an estimated repair time and cost estimates.

Division 4 councillor Nick Pervan said although not confirmed, he suspected the sink hole issue would expedite preliminary talks of rationalising the car park.

“It’s early days, but I think council will now look to begin talks with the owner of the building and the shops and see what their plans are. It might be leased out to the owner.”

Despite an uncertain future on the car park, Cr Pervan said changes needed to be made.

An excavator at the McGowan Dr carpark after a sink hole appeared.

“It is an eyesore, and we would like to see the place cleaned up.

“But it will have to remain a car park.

“We need the parking in town, but I don’t think keeping it as a multistorey parking (facility) is the way forward. I think we’ll have something like other shopping centres, single-storey, maybe with some shade sails.”

Division 5 councillor Jeff Baines supported Cr Pervan’s call of Innisfail’s need car parks, but said the hole had created a chance to begin thinking creatively.

An area barricaded off due to a sinkhole at McGowan Drive Carpark, Innisfail.

“This all depends on the engineers’ reports, but with our asset rationalisation program, which isn’t just knocking things over, this an opportunity.

“It’s a beautiful spot up there that overlooks the river and I think we could talk about a few different developments – the nation is in a housing crisis and we need to talk about that here too.

“It’ll depend on the engineers, but I think it could be a nice spot for accommodation.”

Originally published as Innisfail central shopping centre car park sink hole steps revealed by CCRC