Contractors urged to ‘lookout’ for TRC Tobruk Memorial Drive tender

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging civil construction contractors to take a look at the Tobruk Memorial Drive Lookout upgrade tender. The tender number PT03-19/20 for Tobruk Memorial Drive lookout construction will close on 3 December 2019 at 2.00 pm

TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said the new lookout would replace the ‘Bob Dodd’ lookout that was removed in 2016 due to safety concerns.

“Tobruk Memorial Drive Park is accessible by vehicle or on foot and is a relaxing spot that is popular for walking and picnicking,” Cr Ramia said.

“The park includes picnic areas set amongst the bushland and the Pardalote Walk, a trail between Picnic Point and Tabletop Drive.

“The proposed upgrade works will include a new three-way lookout with connecting paths and surrounded by soft landscaping.

“There will also be new footpaths and street furniture that will provide additional lookout options and the upgrade of vehicle parking areas.

“The concept designs for the new lookout came from an ideas competition run by Council in July 2017 that invited entrants to provide ideas for a new iconic lookout for the site.

“Entrants were to provide opportunities to take in the scenic views, to consider how the lookout linked to other park areas, to create different viewing opportunities and to produce an iconic Toowoomba landmark.

“The winning design creates an unroofed viewing platform and walkway that provides spectacular views of Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley.

“Tobruk Memorial Drive Park forms part of the heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands which sits on the edge of the Great Dividing Range.

“Council endorsed the Picnic Point Parklands Master Plan earlier this year which will guide future development across designated areas of the 65-hectare parkland, including sections of trails.

“The Toowoomba Escarpment Parks Upgrade project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Toowoomba Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

“The new lookout will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the historic landscape character and environmental values of the escarpment and immersing you in the surrounding bushland.”

Information about Public Tender PT03-19/20 for the construction of the lookout is available at www.tr.qld.gov.au/tenders with tender documents available through ‘VendorPanel’. Tenders will close at 2.00 pm on 3 December 2019, with construction planned for early 2020.