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Ross River Parkway Overview
Reintroducing the community and visitors to Townsville to the Ross River is a major ongoing project for Townsville City Council. Ross River Parkway is a facility that has been developed to cater to all age groups, for a diverse range of physical activities. Work on the River to date has included extensive landscaping and creation of new parks, restoration of fauna habitats and the provision of facilities for tourism, recreation and sport.
The result for the North Queensland community will be a continuous park, from the port to the upper reaches of the river, offering an unparalleled diversity of recreational opportunities.
The key objectives of the Townsville Ross River Parkway Masterplan are:
- The creation of a high quality recreation parkway system
- The development of Ross River Parkways as the main spine for Townsville’s open space system
- Providing a world class attraction to regional visitors and tourists
- Unlocking of the potential for the community’s full appreciation of the river, and
- A focus on water related activities that are locally unique to the Ross River.
Our community’s vision for the river is to clearly differentiate the river environment from the city’s hard surfaces and urban forms. The Ross River provides a striking contrast and escape from the city and suburban environments that clutch its banks. To enhance the contrast, the Ross River Parkway is focusing on natural features; on scenic outlooks; interaction with the water and the enhancement of riverine fauna and flora. Thousands of trees have been planted and weeds removed to improve this unique environment. Residents and visitors alike now enjoy upgraded parks with new barbecue equipment and playgrounds.
Featuring in the development are:
- The use of materials that are visually unobtrusive and permeable in a way that enhances the natural amenity of the river
- A suite of furniture and signage that draws upon the rivers natural attributes and compliments the unique atmosphere
- Design for offering recreational experience that are based on the striking natural environment of the river
- Design that minimises the potential for conflicts amongst the assets users
- Incorporated ‘quiet areas’ along the river, were residents can find true escape from the urban hustle and bustle
- A system along the parkway of developing people's understanding and equity in conservation of the river, and
- Protocols for managing the parkway for long term environmental amenity outcomes.
Ross River has always been a vital part of the city and through this project it will continue to be a focus of community activity.
The initial stages of the Ross River Parkway have been successfully completed, with 17 kilometres of pathway constructed and major landscaping works and recreational infrastructure installed. Recent community surveys revealed that the river is now highly valued for recreation and is widely identified as a priority for council development.
“Well done Townsville City Council, the folks using the bike and walk ways every day are a reflection of your foresight and priorities. They certainly help to encourage a sense of civic pride and joy in this wonderful part of the world.”
Hayden Tilley, Townsville
For more information about Ross River Parkway, contact Parks Services, Townsville City Council or email.
Bookings for all parklands within Townsville for private events, ceremonies and/or alcohol consumption must be made through Community Venues on 1300 878 001.