Monaro Street Refresh

Project typeCapital works
Project value$17,250,000
Contractor nameDale and Hitchcock Civil Pty Ltd | WSP Australia Pty Ltd (Detailed designs)

Traffic changes from 12 March

Monaro Street will be closed from the Atkinson Street roundabout to Lowe Street for a minimum of 6 months for construction.

If you don't need to drive into the CBD, it is recommended that motorists use alternative routes including Yass Road and Ellerton Drive.

Within and around the CBD - Collett Street, Morisset Street, Lowe Street and Rutledge Street will be the alternative routes.

During stage 1 of the construction north-south travel on Crawford Street will still be available, but there will be no right or left turn onto Monaro Street.

Our traffic modelling suggests that there will be traffic congestion at the Collett Street and Morisset Street roundabout, particularly during peak afternoon time. We encourage you to avoid this area where possible during peak times. We suggest that you allow at least an extra five minutes travel time.

We will have variable message signs on roads around Queanbeyan, including Pialligo Ave, Sutton Rd, Yass Rd, Kings Highway, Ellerton Dr, Old Cooma Rd, Lanyon Dr, and Canberra Ave.

Download PDF version of road closure map(PDF, 2MB)

Project status

Council has appointed Dale and Hitchcock Civil Pty Ltd as the construction contractor. We have worked through the approvals process with Transport for NSW and works are planned to begin on Thursday 12 March 2026.

What will the upgrades look like?

The road footprint will be the same, but we will have an upgraded street the whole length on Monaro Street from Lowe Street to Collett Street.

The existing alignment and traffic lights will remain. We will have a quieter road surface, modified medians, improved pedestrian crossings and footpaths. We will retain the existing parking.

We are updating the stormwater drainage and in-ground services; and reducing the gutter height and improving accessibility.

While this is a disruptive project in the short-term, in the long-term we will have a much better main street for everyone to enjoy.

What about the businesses on Monaro Street?

Businesses will remain open! Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project, so please use the car parks around the CBD and make sure you keep supporting your local businesses.

Pedestrians will still be able to use the Queens Bridge, and crossing Monaro Street will be available at the intersections. With less traffic, crossing will be easier for pedestrians.

Where can I park in the CBD?

There are seven Council-owned car parks in the CBD – Lowe Street, Rutledge Street, Morisset Street, Collett Street (at the bus interchange), Crawford Street, Antill Street (aquatic centre), and Erin Street. There are also privately owned car parks.

Parking won’t be available on Monaro Street during construction.

Download a map of the car parks in the Queanbeyan CBD(PDF, 2MB).

Project background

Upgrading the main street of Queanbeyan has been a priority of Council and the community for many years and has been a key feature of several community engagement activities. The project is included in:

Council's CBD Transformation Strategy (adopted in May 2017)
2019 revision of the Queanbeyan CBD Spatial Masterplan
Queanbeyan Place Plan in 2020

The concept designs were on public exhibition and a report on submissions received was presented to Council in September 2021. A copy of this report is in the ‘Documents’ section below.

The project is funded through $10m of grant funding under the NSW Government's Drought Stimulus Package. Council accepted this offer of grant funding in 2020 and agreed to arrange loan funding of $5.25m as co-contribution for the project.

Transport for NSW have allocated an additional $2 million funding for the project, to be spent in 2026.

WSP Australia Pty Limited prepared the detailed design.

Tender submissions were considered by Council in May 2025 for construction and the tender was awarded to Dale and Hitchcock Civil Pty Ltd.

What's coming up

Collett Street car park Incentive

To encourage workers to park at the Collett Street car park behind the bus interchange a free coffee incentive will be rolled out from Monday 23 March.

From 8:30am the first 50 vehicles to park at the Collett Street car park will receive a free coffee/beverage voucher to the value of $6 which can be used at any of the 14 cafes/takeaways across the CBD. The incentive will run for 2 weeks Monday - Friday from 23 March – 6 April.

What has happened so far

Visual merchandising workshop – October 2025

October was Small Business Month across NSW, celebrating the vital role that small businesses, sole traders and entrepreneurs play in our economy. We hosted a presentation by POP Creative Collective, with 25 businesses from across the LGA in attendance.

The engaging workshop covered examples of best practice in retail design and visual merchandising, with practical and achievable tips and advice to assist any business with a shopfront, including retailers and hospitality venues.

Queanbeyan Shop & Win Promotion: Winnings Spent Across 25 Businesses!

From Monday 25 August to Friday 3 October, Council held a Shop & Win Promotion to encourage spending in local businesses. Throughout the six-week promotion, 25 businesses shared in the $8,000 prize pool, with over 10,000 entries submitted by shoppers supporting local businesses.

Shopfront Improvement Program

POP Creative Collective audited all the eligible shopfronts along Monaro Street, considering signage, façade, lighting, footpath display etc. Successful applicants to participate int he program have had their initial one-on-one session with POP Creative Collective and are working through their options to improve their shopfronts.

Timeline

Concept designs prepared and placed on public exhibition August 2021.
Submissions were considered by Council in September 2021.
A variation for extension of time was approved in May 2024.
WSP Australia Pty Limited were engaged in August 2024 to prepare detailed designs.
Detailed design and cost estimates were presented to Council in January 2025.
Construction tenders closed on 5 May 2025.
Tender awarded to Dale and Hitchcock Civil Pty Ltd at the Council meeting on 28 May 2025.
Construction is now expected to take 6 months, not 12 months, as support has been provided by TfNSW to close the whole road in stages to accelerate the program.
Construction anticipated to begin in mid-March 2026.