General News
10 May, 2026
Town ignored over one-way
DESPITE a lengthy debate including criticism from councillors about a council consultation process, a section of Fitzgerald Esplanade close to Innisfail’s CBD is to be made permanently one-way.
The change to one-way traffic in the direction between Emily and Campbell streets past the tennis courts, rowing club and Graham Academy of Dance was first implemented last year and was identified as a ‘project’ the year before as part of council’s ‘Innisfail walking network plan’.
That plan’s goal was to enhance safety, accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and local facility users.
“It was highlighted by the community during the plan’s development as a priority initiative to improve connectivity between the Innisfail town centre and Cullinane via the riverside,” a report to last week’s council meeting in Tully stated.
Council received a petition from local residents in April 2025, with submitters expressing dissatisfaction about the new traffic configuration.
“In response, council adopted an evidence-based approach by commissioning an independent safety review by GenEng Solutions,” the council report continued.
“The review confirmed that the one-way design significantly improves safety without exceeding traffic capacity on surrounding streets.”
But at the meeting some of the petitioners were present and councillors debated the consultation process.
“I will say that when this first came on the table, I did have a conversation in a social aspect with one of the proponents (of the petition) saying that there’s a proposal coming here,” Cr Jeff Baines said.
“They’ll be coming to community very shortly – but I was not correct in that assumption, because we relied upon the community consultation that was done under the walking plan,” he said.
“What I’m trying to say is a significant change to traffic management like this is something where the consultation should have gone much broader,” Cr Baine said.
Mayor Teresa Millwood responded to Cr Baines: “We’ll take that on board.”
Council CEO Andrew Graffen told the meeting that issues raised in the petition were around possible safety issues and traffic congestion, particularly around schools, that might have been eventuated due to the change to one-way traffic on Fitzgerald Esplanade.
But the tabled report said key benefits of the conversion to one-way included a protected shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, formalised and increased on-street parking and reduced vehicle conflict and turning movements.
As well, it said there was “improved access to community facilities such as the dance studio and tennis courts,” and “feedback from local organisations operating along Fitzgerald Esplanade was overwhelmingly positive, citing improved safety and reduced near-miss incidents.”
The one-way street decision was carried.
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