Motion to make part of busy Maryborough street one-way

A motion to explore the feasibility of making a busy Maryborough street partly one-way has been passed by the council.

Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott moved a motion to explore the feasibility of turning part of Maryborough’s Adelaide St into a one-way street.

A motion to investigate the feasibility of turning part of Maryborough’s Adelaide St into a one-way street has been passed by the council.

The motion came before the Fraser Coast Regional Council at its meeting on Wednesday and was moved by councillor Paul Truscott.

It was passed unanimously and Mr Truscott said he was grateful for the support of his fellow councillors.

“One of the main benefits I see is making this section of the street more pedestrian-friendly, which can help increase foot traffic for local businesses and create a more relaxed, walkable space,” he said.

“It also opens up opportunities to look at better use of the street for things like outdoor dining, events or even more greenery.

“By reducing vehicle movements and ideally lowering the speed limit, it should help improve pedestrian safety.

“When you take some of the pressure off the street in terms of traffic flow, it gives more room to look at safer pedestrian activity and a more pleasant environment overall.”

Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott moved a motion to explore the feasibility of turning part of Maryborough’s Adelaide St into a one-way street.

Mr Truscott said so far the feedback regarding the motion had been “quite positive”.

“This idea has been floating around for well over a decade, but back then there just wasn’t enough support to move forward,” he said.

“Lately, it appears that the mood has shifted and people are curious to see what a change like this could bring.

“Councillor Daniel Sanderson and I went and visited each business along that section of Adelaide Street, except for three that were not open, and while a few were neutral, we didn’t get any negative feedback.

“Everyone else was quite supportive and open to the possibilities, which was encouraging.

“That’s why we’ve asked for a high-level feasibility report — to properly explore the idea and see where it could lead.”

Mr Sanderson said the progression of the motion allowed the council to be provided with a report on options to see Adelaide St, between Ellena and Kent, becoming one-way, for a trial period.

“It’s timely we look at this option again,” he said.

“It was raised many years ago, and I think would be good to revisit again.

“We have a great city centre and taking this step is an exciting step forward.

“All communities I believe want activation if it’s done well.”

Originally published as Motion to make part of busy Maryborough street one-way