Funding paves the way for Miles CBD streetscape revitalisation

23 April, 2021

The Miles CBD will be completely revitalised as part of a major project to enhance the liveability of the town and encourage more people to stop, visit and stay longer.  

Western Downs Regional Council has received funding under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to deliver the project as part of a 50/50 partnership, which will transform the Miles CBD into a vibrant, attractive regional centre.  

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the project signified an exciting moment in history and demonstrate the region’s fantastic liveability.  

“This is a really special project for the Miles community which is about enhancing the streetscape to activate the town centre and drive economic growth,” Cr McVeigh said. 

“Our region is growing, and Council is focused on enhancing our fantastic local towns to ensure they continue to be desirable places to live, as well as increasing tourist numbers to our region.  

“The upgrade was one of several projects fast-tracked to be ‘shovel ready’ as part of Council’s massive COVID-19 Recovery Package and it’s fantastic to see this program has delivered real results through this funding partnership.” 

Over the past few months, design consultants VEE Design, Fourfold Studio and HIG have been working closely with the community to help plan a detailed design for the project.  

Cr McVeigh said celebrating Miles’s unique local history played a significant part in the revitalisation, with the community playing a key role in the design elements.  

“As part of the design development process, locals were encouraged to share their own stories about the Miles area, which inspired various elements including wayfinding, digital storytelling, public artwork or material choices,” he said.  

“We also worked closely with the community as part of a series of workshops and have developed a community action plan to support the community to activate the streetscape once works are complete.  

“It’s fantastic – the towns rich history will stand pride of place as part of the streetscape upgrade, which features a range of improvements including establishing a village feel, improving accessibility for RVs, installing fresh lighting to activate the space at night, and creating gateway arbours and outdoor dining opportunities. 

“The upgrade will also focus on enhancing Anzac Park and installing various public art and story-telling elements throughout the town strip including a ‘wall of greats’ to honour well known historical identities in the area.  

“This streetscape project celebrates the past, present and future of the Miles District and I sincerely thank the community for its input as part of the development of this fantastic design.” 

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said he was pleased to see the Western Downs Regional Council utilising the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program to undertake meaningful projects that will strengthen liveability and boost tourism in the region. 

“One of my top goals as the member for Maranoa is to keep improving our public infrastructure and community services because it has a positive flow-on effect on our quality of life and how we support each other – these upgrades to the Miles CBD reflects this commitment, ” Mr Littleproud said.  

“This important project will also support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth in the Western Downs, and every single job we support makes a huge difference to our local community.” 

The project is now being readied for tender, with construction expected to commence in coming months.