Cassowary Coast Regional Council is working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to reconstruct Victoria Street (Bruce Highway) and the Cardwell foreshore as part of Operation Queenslander in the wake of Cyclone Yasi.

Operation Queenslander is the largest reconstruction effort in Queensland's history, rebuilding communities, fixing infrastructure and restoring regional economies after the cyclone and flooding.

The Reconstructing Cardwell Project will: 

• reconstruct a 1.4km section of the Bruce Highway known as Victoria St
• construct an erosion protection structure (a rock wall) to protect the road and natural environment from future natural disasters
• reconstruct the foreshore along the Cardwell esplanade

The project is part of the Cardwell Esplanade and Marine Infrastructure Recovery (CEMIR) package which includes rebuilding the Clump Point jetty at Mission Beach and Dunk Island jetty.

By working together, Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads will aim to minimise the impacts on the community and achieve a value-for-money solution.

The project team has also worked closely with the Cardwell Community Reference Group, formed at the beginning of the project, and with the wider population via information sessions and through community consultation. The Cardwell Community Vision was adopted by Council on 15 December 2011.

Completion:
These reconstruction works will be delivered by the end of June 2013 in accordance with timeframes set by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Benefits:
Restoring Cardwell's foreshore to its former beauty and its functionality as a tourist attraction and recreation area for residents will provide social and economic benefits to the community.

The long-term reconstruction of the highway (Victoria Street) through Cardwell will make the road safer and more resilient than before, to service the needs of the community and road users.

Funding:
This reconstruction work is being delivered under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), a joint Australian Government and Queensland Government funding initiative.

Current status:

March 22 2013 Update
Feb-March 2013 Update

Work is underway on Victoria Street and the foreshore reconstruction.

Key features of the Victoria Street design include a roundabout at the corner of Dalrymple Street, formal parking, intersection upgrades and better pedestrian facilities, improving safety for road users, pedestrians and cyclists.

Key features of the foreshore design include two additional play areas for children of all ages, a shared pathway from Port Hinchinbrook to the Coral Sea Memorial, barbecue facilities, and viewing decks.

The community can view designs at the Cardwell Library, on Balliol Street. Artist impressions can also be found here:
Site Designs
Road Design
Town Centre
Coral Sea Memorial area
South Cardwell & Wetlands
Jetty Plaza, Amphitheatre & Playground
 

Further information:

• Visit the Cardwell Community Library, 4 Balliol Street
• Visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search for "Reconstructing Cardwell"