Gympie Regional Council has announced an upgrade of William Street in Imbil, to improve connectivity, road safety and parking, is underway.
The project will deliver road widening, 90 new car parks, a new footpath, improved stormwater and drainage, tree planting and open space rehabilitation.
William Street before the planned upgrades. IMAGE GRC
Council said the first section of parking would be line-marked for standard-sized vehicles. The remainder and majority of new parking along the street would operate as a continuous parking lane allowing space for longer vehicles such as cars towing caravans, camper trailers, boats, or trailers.
The upgrades will support the Mary Valley Rail Trail which currently runs for 4.7 km from Brooloo to Imbil (one-way).
The Rail Trail is being extended 10km from Imbil to Kandanga and 6k from Kandanga to Amamoor. The completed trail will be a 20.7 km, making it a drawcard for rail trail enthusiasts (particularly cyclists) around Australia.
A family enjoying the Mary Valley Rail Trail. IMAGE Vivienne Wynter
Gympie Council said some Eucalypt trees (mostly Cadaghi gums which are a declared environmental weed in southern Queensland) along William street would be removed and replaced with selected species to contribute to the leafy feel of Imbil.
The William Street upgrades are one of several projects identified through community feedback and delivered by Gympie Regional Council, Queensland Hydro and Fourfold Studios which sought to define the future needs of the area.
Community consultation preceded the project. IMAGE GRC
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the William Street upgrade was the first milestone in a multi-year action plan to revitalise Imbil’s town centre, funded through Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefit Fund.
‘In 2025, council worked alongside Queensland Hydro and community engagement specialists Fourfold Studios to hear from community about what makes Imbil special and define opportunities to grow Imbil, while preserving its unique character for many years to come,’ Cr Hartwig said.
‘Thanks to the community, we now have a roadmap identifying the projects and priorities that matter most to Imbil. This upgrade is a first step in response to the needs of residents and businesses.’
Division 8 Councillor Gordon Maudsley said it was great to see the Imbil community contribute to a collective vision for the future of Imbil.
Local councillor Gordon Maudsley has welcomed the William St upgrades. IMAGE supplied
‘Improved parking and road conditions were identified as some of the clear priorities by the community,’ Cr Maudsley said.
‘This project is about balancing the needs of our community and the importance of celebrating Imbil’s warm and welcoming character.
Queensland Hydro Executive Chair Mark Irwin said the upgrade was a direct result of listening to the Imbil community, ensuring local priorities were reflected in early benefits for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
Council said nearby residents and businesses had received direct notification of the upcoming works and possible construction impacts.
For more information, visit Your Say Imbil Streetscape Revitalisation
