Urunga CBD - Detailed Design - Feedback Round 1
Download draft design -Package 1
To view the full high-resolution design package, please download the file below:
DRAFT_Urunga_Community-Engagement-Package_High-resolution.pdf(PDF, 81MB)
The feedback survey for round one is now closed.
Feedback Round One
Feedback round one focused on parking changes, pedestrian access, changes to traffic direction and the overall layout of the design.
What we asked for feedback on
We requested feedback specific to the outlined design elements below to support meaningful development of the proposed designs.
Elements
- Overall vision and character
- Traffic Management: traffic layout, vehicle access, parking and loading arrangements
- Pedestrian Movement: walkability and crossing locations
- Improved Amenity: streetscape, public amenity, outdoor dining and activation
- Environment: trees, landscaping and shade
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Foreshore connections
Tips for completing the survey
- Make sure your feedback aligns with the four priority areas from the Master Plan
- Be specific and provide context—how does your idea benefit the broader community?
- Use the priority areas, detailed designs and outlined categories to ensure your input is captured accurately.
Feedback Round two will open in June 2026. In this survey community members will have the chance to comment on landscaping, plantings, artwork and aesthetics. It is unlikely that large changes to layout or traffic flow will be considered at this time; having been addressed in round one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the design align with Urunga's CBD master plan?
The design aims to achieve the two key findings of the master plan where residents described their aspiration for Urunga. First to retain Urunga's character as a quaint, calm, relaxed, friendly, beautiful river town. Second, while retaining that strength, to also be a progressive, vibrant and thriving town.
What are the proposed parking changes, why are they proposed?
Parking changes to Morgo Street, Bowra Street and Bonville Street are proposed to support improved pedestrian connections, community spaces and street scaping. The intent is to create a town centre that is accessible and pedestrian friendly.
Changes proposed in carpark design for the Bonville street carpark (behind FoodWorks) support increased car parking numbers and traffic movements.
What streets have been proposed to be made one way and why?
The initial proposal is for the below streets to be made one way:
- Bowra Street between Morgo Street and Bonville Street.
- Bonville Street between Bellingen Street and Newry Street East.
Why are these changes proposed?
Converting sections of these streets to one-way operation is intended to support a safer, more vibrant, and pedestrian-focused town centre. By simplifying traffic movements and reducing vehicle conflict points, one-way streets typically encourage lower travel speeds and improve safety for all road users. The change also creates additional space within the existing road corridor, enabling wider footpaths, improved accessibility, and opportunities for street trees, landscaping, and outdoor activation.
Overall, the proposal aligns with the community’s vision for a more welcoming and people-friendly CBD that supports local businesses, enhances the visitor experience,
Will the design negatively impact car parking?
While car parking at some locations may be reduced this will be offset with new car parks at other locations. The designs seek to ensure that key car parks such as disability, loading zones and short stay are retained at key locations.
Will there be additional seating included in the design
Yes, new community gathering areas have been considered in the designs which feature bench seating around the CBD. Exact seating arrangements and types of furniture are to be determined later in the designs. With Feedback Round One more focused on understanding preferred locations within the CBD for community spaces.
What kind of trees will be planted?
Native trees and vegetation have been considered in the design. Exact species of trees and vegetation will be determined later in the design process. With Feedback Round One more focused on understanding preferred locations and how that will support improved shade and amenity.
How will feedback be considered by Council?
Council are undertaking two feedback rounds with the wider community invited to comment on the designs. We will be collating all feedback and reviewing it in collaboration with the Community Reference Group. Feedback will help inform the further development of the designs.
How do the proposed designs consider accessibility?
Accessibility forms a key design consideration of the project. The designs seek to ensure improved accessible pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and provide improved disability parking.
The designs will also include improved lighting and directional signage for pedestrians.
What are the main themes and priorities of the design?
The Urunga CBD Upgrade Project will enable transformative upgrades to Urunga’s central business district, enhancing its appeal for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The upgrade aims to enhance the well-being of the local community, attract more visitors, and support local businesses.
The project includes improving accessibility for all pedestrian types, including individuals with mobility issues and wheelchair users, aligning with inclusivity goals.
Building off the Urunga Master Plan, the Urunga CBD Upgrade proposes various urban renewal works within the CBD of Urunga and nearby foreshore/Lido. The project aims to enhance the amenity of the Urunga CBD through improved streetscaping, accessibility and connectivity and improving the connectivity between the main commercial hub and the foreshore.
Will artwork be included in the upgrade?
Yes, we are seeking various opportunities to support the inclusion of artwork in the CBD Upgrade.
This may include artwork on street furniture, within pavement surfaces or murals on walls.
Exact artwork locations and opportunities will be determined later in the designs. With Feedback Round One more focused on understanding overall layout and functional design.
Will there be more shade areas added to the CBD?
Yes, improved shading will be provided with the provision of additional tree planting in the CBD. This will help provide a cooler and more welcoming environment.
Will there be additional pedestrian crossings added?
Yes, a key design element of the project will be improved pedestrian connectivity. This will include several pedestrian crossings at key locations across the CBD.
Is Council improving opportunities for outdoor dining?
Yes, a key design element of the project will be improved amenity. This includes support for local businesses to provide additional outdoor dining where possible.
How is Council improving existing challenges with connections to the Lido?
The project designs will include improved pedestrian connectivity with dedicated pedestrian crossings, improved signage and wayfinding.
How is Council considering climate resilience in the designs?
Climate resilience is considered through various means such as:
- Improved drought resilience through appropriate vegetation types.
- Reducing paved areas and increasing landscaped areas and natural surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff.
- Addressing urban heat island effects through increased shading.
How does the design encourage safe streets?
The design will support lower traffic speeds and safe driving behaviour through narrowing streets, providing additional crossing opportunities and enabling a more pedestrian friendly environment.
Are pedestrian and cycle links more broadly within Urunga being considered?
Yes, we are currently in the design phase for the South Urunga Shared Path Project. The path will provide a continuous walking and cycling path between Giinagay Way in the South of Urunga, the Urunga Wetlands, Urunga CBD and to the existing Hungry Head Shared Use Path.
How did the design consider amenity improvements at the Lido?
The project will include key improvements to vehicle access and pedestrian connectivity, while maintaining consideration of broader improvements to the lido precinct.
How have children and youth been considered in the designs?
Children and youth will benefit from the improved outcomes in accessibility, walkability and pedestrian safety. The designs include improved access to existing play equipment within Morgo St Reserve, the Library and the Lido. Improved school drop off facilities on Bonville St will form a key component of the Project, in addition to outdoor amenity improvements within the library precinct that aim to support the delivery of children’s programs (I.e. Story Time). The designs will also consider future upgrades to the Lido and how broader layout changes within the Lido recreational area could support the addition of improved youth orientated spaces (skate park, pump track, upgrade playground etc).
How the design plans have been developed
The Urunga CBD Master Plan was developed in 2024 following community surveys and workshops. The plan acts as a vision and strategy for Urunga over the next 20 years and is not intended to be delivered in one stage.
The designs for this upgrade project focus on the community vision for four priority areas in the CBD identified from the Master Plan.
Priority Areas Identified in the Masterplan
Priority Area One -Commercial Centre
This area focuses on improvements to Bowra and Bonville Streets including kerb widening, improved accessibility, traffic calming, streetscaping and improved amenity.
Priority Area Two - Morgo Street
This area focuses on improvements to Morgo Street including pedestrian connectivity & accessibility, traffic changes and improved amenity.
Priority Area Three - Civic Walk
This area focuses on improvements to the reserve between the Urunga Library and shops including pedestrian and cycling access improvements, street furniture, landscaping and improved amenity.
Priority Area Four - Fig Tree Plaza and Foreshore Access
The area focuses on improvements to the area connecting to the lido including reconfiguration of the Morgo Street and Les Christian Crescent intersection, improved pedestrian connectivity, improved amenity and traffic changes.
Other Areas
Beyond the four focus areas taken from the Master Plan, the project is proposing minor works which include line marking and parking changes along Bowra Street up to Orara Street and on Orara Street, adjacent Urunga Public School between Bowra Street and Bellingen Street. The project also includes improvements to the Bonville Street car park and Minerva Lane north of Bowra Street.
View the Masterplan here.