March 7, 2025
Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce announced a surprise $4.5 million commitment to fund Stage 2 of the Wondai Industrial Estate during a trip to the South Burnett on Thursday.
The money, which is dependent on the Coalition winning the upcoming Federal Election, could be used to widen some roads in the estate to return them to two-way use and finally resolve an issue with heavy vehicle access that has been brewing for at least four years.
In 2021, DTMR inspectors began warning truck drivers they risked being fined if they took B-doubles into the estate.
Council spent almost $1 million upgrading the estate’s roads to ensure that B-doubles could continue to use them, including road upgrades and reconfiguring the traffic flow to one-way to improve safety.
However, the one-way solution also proved controversial and in 2022, Council approved spending $40,000 for design works to be undertaken to determine how much it would cost to make Burrows and Kemp streets two-way to improve efficiency for businesses in the estate.
At the time, it was suggested in Council that the businesses which stood to benefit the most from this change would be invited to contribute towards the cost.
On Thursday, Mr Boyce said the existing infrastructure did not allow for the safe movement of oversize vehicles throughout the estate under two-way operations.
“I am pleased to announce that an elected LNP Government will provide $4.5 million to South Burnett Regional Council to deliver Stage 2 of the Wondai Industrial Estate works,” he said.
Parkside Timber, which is the major employer in Wondai, recently announced plans for expansion in the Wondai Industrial Estate.
Last August, South Burnett Regional Council approved an application by the company for a Material Change of Use for a Lot where the company hopes to start wooden and laminated product manufacturing.
ABOVE: Mayor Kathy Duff, Colin Boyce MP, Cr Heath Sander and Cr Ros Heit watch a B-Double roll through the Wondai Industrial Estate on Thursday
* * *
South Burnett residents with longer memories will remember another issue involving the roadways in the Wondai Industrial Estate.
The Wondai Sprints – a popular event for car enthusiasts – had planned to use a 1.6km track around the area for timed laps.
However, the first planned outing in 2014 was cancelled at the last minute due to the poor surface of the roadways.
In 2015, South Burnett Regional Council stepped in and spent $220,000 of grant money to resurface parts of the estate to bring the proposed track up to scratch.
This allowed the Wondai Sprints to run successfully every year from 2016-2019.
* * *
Mr Boyce, who will be officially opening the Proston Show on Saturday, also announced election promises for two community organisations during his visit to the South Burnett this week.
If an LNP government is elected, the Hivesville Progress Association will receive $100,000 to erect a shed for community use, most likely at the Hivesville Sportsground.
The Mondure Hall Committee would also receive $18,000 to buy new chairs for the hall.
Mr Boyce also inspected several potential sites for the proposed Wondai Men’s Shed during his visit.
Related articles:
