Council moves forward with Bottlebrush Drive connection

Published on 20 May 2026

Livingstone Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to managing growth responsibly, with Council today endorsing traffic management upgrades to support the future opening of Bottlebrush Drive.

Mayor Adam Belot said the long-planned connection would improve local traffic movement, emergency access and network resilience as the region continues to grow.

“Bottlebrush Drive has remained disconnected for more than 15 years, however approved development conditions now require the road to be connected by late 2026,” Mayor Belot said.

“As one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regional communities, Council has a responsibility to ensure our transport network evolves alongside growth while protecting the lifestyle and amenity our community values.”

Mayor Belot said Council had listened carefully to community feedback and would implement a range of measures focused on traffic calming and pedestrian safety.

“We acknowledge residents have genuine concerns around traffic volumes, pedestrian safety and school access, particularly for children who walk and ride in the area,” he said.

“That is why Council is taking a proactive approach through local traffic management measures, school safety improvements and future footpath planning.”

Upgrades to be delivered prior to the road opening include:

• Installation of traffic calming devices, including chicanes;
• Footpath upgrades near Sacred Heart School and a new supervised wombat crossing;
• An independent road safety audit of the proposed design;
• Advocacy for additional flashing school zone signage through Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads programs;
• Concept planning for future missing footpath links; and
• Consideration of additional traffic calming measures near Mahogany Way.

Mayor Belot said the connection would provide an important secondary access route between the Old Scenic Highway and Chandler Road, improving connectivity and providing greater network resilience during road closures, incidents and major community events.

He said Council’s long-term focus remained on delivering broader transport connections to reduce pressure on local residential streets as growth continues across the Taranganba and Taroomball areas.

“Council’s focus is not only on improving current traffic flow, but also planning for the future through major transport projects such as the East West Connector,” Mayor Belot said.

“With Stage 1 of the East West Connector now under construction, Council is progressing land acquisition and detailed design for Stage 2, which will provide the critical connection to Tanby Road and strengthen the broader road network.

“Council is also advocating for further connectivity upgrades, including the future construction of Chandler Road linking Scenic Highway to Tanby Road, which could help ease congestion and reduce the likelihood of motorists using Bottlebrush Drive as a rat run.

“These projects are about building a safer, stronger and more connected transport network that supports the future needs of our growing communities.”

Mayor Belot said Council would continue working closely with residents and keeping them updated as the Bottlebrush Drive project progresses.

“Council is working on a dedicated web page, where residents can view plans, ask questions, and stay updated about the project. We will also go back to the community when we have further information around specific timings of the project and any associated impacts to residents.

“We understand change can be challenging in established neighbourhoods, but Council’s role is to balance connectivity, safety and liveability while planning responsibly for the future.”