UPDATE: Dulong Lookout Upgrade

1 November 2017: Sunshine Valley Gazette
Rogo’s Roundup by Cr Greg Rogerson

On the Lookout for safety concerns

It’s been brought to my attention that the new Carpark at Dulong Lookout has created the perception of being less safe than before, where my concern was for the safety of tourists having to cross busy Dulong Road to gain access to the lookout.

This prior safety concern is now eliminated however it has been reported that residents and other motorists are now using the carpark section as a ‘drive thru’.

Coupled with this concern, it has also highlighted that signage is inadequate in making drivers aware of the change in conditions, especially at night.

I have requested the ‘as constructed’ design and implementation, together with traffic management signage to undergo a complete safety audit review.

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7 September 2017: Dulong Lookout Upgrade: Impacts local community

The upgrade project is part of the Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program announced by the State Government in April 2016, with the aim of boosting drive tourism. There is some doubt about the benefits of the upgrade project to the Dulong community, still waiting on news of an accessible public space area within their community.

The 10 week project which commenced in June, is taking much longer than forecast by the project team at the Sunshine Coast Council.

Commuters are experiencing lengthy delays to enter/leave Dulong via the Lookout. Some families report they are unable to drop off their children on school days, to catch the bus on the Nambour-Mapleton Road, so have to make additional car trips. Consequently, they are questioning the livability of Dulong.

Many older citizens are staying at home to avoid the long delays, increasing social isolation.

Too many drivers are experiencing vehicles, ignoring the traffic lights and facing them head on as they legally pass through the single lane area of roadworks.

At present, it seems Dulong Road is quieter than usual. However there is concern when the work is complete, traffic movements will return to the same level or increase due the increasing popularity of the Lookout and access route to surrounding areas.

We look forward to the completion of the Dulong Lookout upgrade project, and the community celebration at the unveiling of Dulong’s first heritage interpretative plaque. The plaque project is fully funded by Cr Rogerson and is shaping up to be something quite special. No date has been set yet, more news soon.

If you’d like to join the Lookout Community Celebration working group, please contact dulongfutures@gmail.com or 0403 505 866.

Photos taken on 20 August 2017

5 July 2017: Dulong Lookout Upgrade Update
The 10 week project has now reached the half way point.
Work seems to be moving along nicley.
Soon the wait to pass through the area will be over!
At a later stage, a pathway may link both Lookouts.
Let’s hope it will be a more inviting and safer place for everyone to enjoy.

Dulong Lookout Upgrade 5 July 2017

Dulong Lookout Upgrade update 5 July 2017The 10 week project has now reached the half way point.Work seems to be moving along nicley.Soon the wait to pass through the area will be over!At a later stage, a pathway may link both Lookouts.Let's hope it will be a more inviting and safer place for everyone to enjoy.

Posted by Dulong Futures on Wednesday, 5 July 2017

23 May 2017: Dulong Lookout Upgrade: Misleading Statement by SC Council
The Dulong Lookout Upgrade project has been made possible by the Queensland State Government ‘Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program’ in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council.

‘Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Scenic Lookout Upgrade program would deliver a significant boost to drive tourism in Queensland.’

Requests for community consultation in the design process proved fruitless, and many residents are concerned that issues of safety and driving behaviour in the area will continue. Let’s hope the area will be monitored once the work is completed.

10 May 2017: Dulong Lookout Upgrade UPDATE

NEXT month, the long-awaited work will begin at the Dulong Lookout!

The project has been made possible by the Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program announced by the Honourable Minister Mark Bailey on 12 April 2016. The project is funded on a 50:50 basis, in total $300,000. However, the scope of works exceeds the funding, and the Sunshine Coast Council is putting in significantly more funds to bring the project to completion.

The project is expected to take 10 weeks. Safety will be improved with the car park constructed next to the Lookout and the road realigned. This will reduce speed in the area and people will no longer have to cross busy Dulong Road.

The unsealed car park looking towards the Dulong Lookout on 10 May 2017. Photo contributed

The power pole has already been moved and the yellow protection around the pole will be removed once the road is realigned. Telstra will be doing works hopefully at the end of May.
This will see a full road closure for a day as the so that workers can lower services. During road works, the road will need to be closed for a full day, so services can be relocated.
Signage will give motorists prior notice.

At a later stage, when funding is available, a path will be considered between the 2 Lookouts.

Dulong Futures, are working with Council to arrange the unveiling of the heritage interpretive plaque at a community celebration in September, an opportunity to connect with neighbours from near and far, and enjoy the new look, Dulong Lookout.

Jennifer Catalano with an early draft of the plaque. Photo: Contributed

Information provided by Sunshine Coast Council Infrastructure Project Officer and Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson

UPDATE: Dulong Lookout Plaque Application
Wednesday 15 February 2017
In conjunction with the Dulong Lookout UPGRADE

Almost ready to submit the application to the Sunshine Coast Council!
This is a history making process that’s taking shape, to share our hidden stories and supporting the heritage of Dulong.

Sincere thanks to Jennifer Catalano, Mark Murtagh and active members of the Dulong community with an interest in saving our heritage. Not forgetting, staff at Peter Wellington’s office for their time and resources in printing a new addition for the records of local history.

This is a collaborative project by Jennifer Catalano with support from community groups, descendants of our early settler families, the Dulong community and Cr Rogerson.

NB: The application was handed to Cr Rogerson at a special meeting on Friday 17 February 2017.

At the office of Peter Wellington MP, 3/51 Currie Street, Nambour. Photo: Contributed

UPDATE Dulong Lookout upgrade
3 February 2017

‘We are working through the final (hopefully) design issues’
A completed project design will available in the near future.

Transport Infrastructure Management
Infrastructure Services | Sunshine Coast Regional Council

While the council is working on the concept plan, a group of community minded people, with an interest in saving our heritage, have been working with Jennifer Catalano on a heritage interpretive plaque which is taking shape. Thanks to everyone for the many hours of collaborative research!

Queensland Government Media Statement: Sprucing for Scenic Lookouts

12 April 2016

Scenic lookouts around Queensland will be spruced up thanks to a $3.2 million Palaszczuk Government program in the 2015 State Budget.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey announced the successful sites while visiting Henry Ross Lookout near Cairns today, where $300,000 will be spent upgrading facilities.

“The Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program was set up to help local councils revitalise existing lookouts across Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.

“Lookouts on local roads will be funded on a 50:50 basis in partnership with local councils, with upgrades on State roads receiving 100 per cent state funding.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Scenic Lookout Upgrade program would deliver a significant boost to drive tourism in Queensland.

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