'Safer and easier to use': stretches of key hinterland road set for upgrade

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell with community members.

A key tourist road in the hinterland is set to be widened and sealed.

Work to upgrade sections of Maleny-Kenilworth Road at Conondale and Cambroon will start soon and will take about one year, weather and construction scheduling permitting.

Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the upgrades would provide one sealed lane in each direction along two key sections of the road.

“We know Maleny-Kenilworth Road is an important link for locals, and that this project is one the community wants done,” Mr Skelton said.

“We’re seeing more traffic on Maleny-Kenilworth Road, so it’s great to see these upgrades, which will make it safer and easier to use, are about to get underway.”

Mr Skelton said two parts of Maleny-Kenilworth Road would be sealed as part of the project – the 2.8km stretch from just south of Lees Road, Conondale, to Goades Road, Cambroon, and the 1.1km section extending either side of the Booloumba Creek Road intersection at Cambroon.

Mr Skelton said works would be carried out at during the day, between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, weather and construction conditions permitting. Weekend work may be required occasionally.

“Motorists can expect delays, with single-lane closures, traffic controllers, temporary traffic signals, reduced speed limits and road signs are in place during works,” he said.

“It’s important motorists observe all signs when approaching the roadworks and adapt their driving behaviour to the changed traffic conditions.”

‘About time”: Powell welcomes upgrades

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell also welcomed the upgrades.

“After nearly 14 years of advocating for the full length of the road to be made one sealed lane each way, it’s now been announced that the final two key sections of the road will be upgraded and the works will start before the end of March,” he said.

“This is huge news for the community. I’m so sorry it took this long, but I am very excited to be announcing that it’s finally happening.”

The road is a key tourist route, especially for campers heading to Kenilworth, and a main road for farmers getting their produce to market.

Together with many members of the community, Mr Powell has walked the length of the road to raise awareness of its dangerous condition, poor quality, petitioned the Government, hassled the Department of Transport and Main Roads and even invited the Premier out herself to see the deteriorating state of the road and the safety concerns that created.

“It’s all finally paid off. Together we’ve pushed hard enough to force the Government’s hand and upgrade this road. But it should never have been a political issue, it’s a safety issue.”

“Buses loaded up with school children drive this road daily, and I’ve been told firsthand by some of the drivers that they’ve avoided disasters on too many occasions.”

For more information, contact TMR North Coast on (07) 5451 7055 or email northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au.