Roads, Footpaths and Verges

Our Roads and Drainage Team is responsible for the development and maintenance of effective roads and drainage infrastructure, footpaths, bridges and kerbing within the Whitsunday Region, with exception of major arterial roads which are under the control of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Our region contains 566kms of sealed roads, 1218kms of unsealed roads, 113kms of footpaths and 35 bridges.

Whitsunday Regional Council Road Register(PDF, 498KB)
Whitsunday Regional Council Road Register Maps(PDF, 34MB)

Interactive Road Register Maps

Footpath Maintenance Assistance

Under particular circumstances, residents may request assistance for maintenance of their footpath/nature strip. Prior to submitting an application, residents are encouraged to view the Footpath & Nature Strip Maintenance Policy(PDF, 245KB) to see if they are eligible.

Footpath Maintenance Application(PDF, 212KB)

Work in Road Reserve

If you are planning to undertake any works within a Council road reserve, you are required to obtain a permit from Whitsunday Regional Council before commencing. This ensures public safety, protects infrastructure, and maintains compliance with local laws.

A Review and assessment of an Application to Work in Road Reserve is required under Whitsunday Regional Council Local Law for the alteration or improvement to local government controlled areas and roads, including:

• installing, changing, damaging or removing a structure
• planting, clearing or damaging of vegetation in a local government controlled area or on a road.

For example:

• construction of a crossover (driveway)
• planting or removing vegetation within a road reserve
• construction works impacting upon local government-controlled road areas including drainage channels, footpaths, shared paths, cycleways, and road verge areas.

Permit Requirements

Before starting any work, you must:

1. Submit an Application – Complete the Application to Work in Road Reserve Form(PDF, 422KB)
2. Provide Supporting Documents, including:
   • Site plan showing proposed works and existing infrastructure
   • Drawings to scale showing the proposed work – please refer to the current standard drawings for Driveway Crossovers
   • Traffic Management Plan (prepared by an accredited person)
   • Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million coverage)
   • Detailed scope of works including proposed dates
3. Pay Application Fee – Please note assessment will not begin until application fees are paid, refer to the current Fees and Charges section on our website.
4. Await Approval – No works may commence until a permit is issued.

Processing Time

Please allow up to 20 business days for your application to be assessed.

Important Notes

• Removal of trees or vegetation may require additional approval.
• All works must comply with relevant safety and environmental standards.
• Council may inspect the site before, during, or after works are completed.

Use of Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads Application

This permit is required for activities that use or occupy Council-controlled land or roads, but do not involve physical works. It ensures that public spaces are used safely and appropriately, and that community access is maintained.

Activities requiring this permit include, but are not limited to:

• Placing a display, booth, or promotional stand on a footpath
• Hosting a public event, such as a street parade, market, or festival
• Conducting commercial activities in a park or reserve (e.g. fitness classes, food trucks)
• Undertaking filming or photography in public spaces for commercial or media purposes

Please refer to and download the Use of Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads Application(PDF, 1MB) for full details and submission requirements.

Grading Program

Whitsunday Regional Council is committed to maintaining a safe and accessible road network across our region.

Our Unsealed Roads Grading Program is guided by a structured assessment process using specialised Road Asset Condition Assessment Systems and our Asset Inspectors.

These systems enable Council to monitor the condition of unsealed roads and determine when maintenance is required.

Grading is not performed on a fixed schedule, but rather triggered by specific intervention levels based on current road conditions.

This approach ensures:

• Efficient use of resources
• Timely response to changing road conditions
• Improved safety and accessibility for road users

Council continually reviews and updates the grading program to reflect the latest assessments, ensuring our road network remains reliable and well-managed.