Western Downs Regional Roads and Transport Group

On this page:

• Project story: Western Downs Regional Council, Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre parking bay, Warrego Highway - Enhancing safety and accessibility
• Regional Roads and Transport Group members
• Western Downs Regional Roads and Transport Group map
• Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) program details

Project story: Western Downs Regional Council, Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre parking bay, Warrego Highway - Enhancing safety and accessibility

Submitted by Debbie Dibley, Works Manager - Construction, Western Downs Regional Council.

The town of Chinchilla has recently unveiled a safety upgrade to its visitor parking facilities, aimed at improving accessibility and safety for both residents and tourists. This upgrade ensures convenient access to the local playground, public toilets, and the Visitor Information Centre. 

The Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Parking upgrade was fully funded by the TIDS due to its location on the Warrego Highway, which is a State-controlled highway. Following the TMR project, Warrego Highway Upgrade Program in 2019, the Warrego Highway was upgraded through Chinchilla (Dalby and Miles) resulting in dual lanes in both the east and west direction. This necessary upgrade greatly improved traffic movement on the Warrego Highway, however resulted in a reduction of on-street parking. Whilst the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre had a small off-street carpark there was limited parking for numerous vehicles as well as for travellers and Recreational Vehicles needing to safely access the amenities at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre.

Over the years Chinchilla has experienced a steady increase in tourism, driven by unique attractions such as the Chinchilla Big Melon and the award-winning Chinchilla Botanic Parklands. The influx of visitors had rendered the existing parking infrastructure inadequate, leading to safety concerns due to vehicles parking in the traffic lanes. 

The new parking bay upgrade effectively addresses these issues by enhancing access to the Visitor Information Centre, local park, and amenities block through the construction of two large concrete indented parking bays. This design not only improves safety but also enhances traffic flow management and decreasing the risk of vehicular collisions. 

Key features of the upgrade

• Installation of two new concrete indented parking bays. Each bay is 3m wide and has a total length of 105m. 
• Relocation and replacement of footpath. The old footpath was relocated and replaced with a new 1.5m path to provide all weather access to amenities. 

Benefits and outcomes 

The new visitor parking bay upgrade is a welcome development that addressed the parking safety concerns following the completion of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Project.

By enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience, Chinchilla is well-positioned to continue attracting tourists and supporting local businesses.

Whilst the project experienced initial delays due to limited contractor availability, once the project commenced construction the project occurred without any notable challenges. Favourable weather conditions contributed to the smooth progress of the project. The outcome is an all-weather accessible parking facility that significantly reduces safety issues and revitalises the access to the town of Chinchilla. 

The project was designed and managed internally by council’s Infrastructure Services and delivered by external contractor, Joe Wagner Group. 

This upgrade not only greatly improves the functionality and safety of the vehicle parking but also enhances the overall aesthetics of Chinchilla.

Regional Roads and Transport Group members

• Western Downs Regional Council
• TMR Darling Downs District

Chair: Councillor Greg Olm, Western Downs Regional Council
Technical Committee Chair: Brianna Barnett, Western Downs Regional Council
Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme 2024-25 Allocation: $2,748,258
Total number of projects: 7

Western Downs Regional Roads and Transport Group map.

Western Downs Regional Roads and Transport Group (RRTG) Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) program details

The following information lists the RRTG TIDS 2024–25 works program by local government, with the project name and the year-to-date TIDS expenditure.

Western Downs Regional Council

Project name	Expenditure
Dulacca South Road (Dulacca) 16.10 - 22.60km, rehabilitate and seal pavement	$375,000
Macalister - Bell Road (Macalister), rehabilitate pavement, overlay and seal	$900,000
Brigalow - Canaga Road (Brigalow), 5.03 - 8.20km, rehabilitate pavement	$350,000
Roche Creek Road (Wandoan), 15.76 - 17.21km, widen, rehabilitate and seal pavement	$85,000
Cambridge Crossing Road (Tara), 26.20 - 27.40km, reconstruct pavement	$100,000
Southwood Road (Southwood), 17.00 - 22.20km, widen and rehabilitate pavement	$268,258
Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre, upgrade car park	$670,000