Design of Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street Precinct McKenzie Hill

The Diamond Gully precinct in Castlemaine is a high growth area, designated as a key location for current and future residential development. As the primary location of new dwellings in the region, it is essential to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the expanding community. This includes upgrading roads, intersections, footpaths, and drainage systems to enhance connectivity, safety, and overall liveability.

As part of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan, critical improvements have been identified for Diamond Gully Road, Ireland Street, and Maldon Road, along with their associated intersections. The proposed works include installation of traffic signals, road widening, installation of kerb and channel, construction of underground drainage, and the development of a shared path to promote accessibility and active transport.

To advance these upgrades, a feature survey and detailed design must be completed, laying the groundwork for efficient and well-integrated infrastructure delivery.

This project involves the design of:

• Intersection of Maldon Road and Ireland Street (traffic lights)
• Intersection of Maldon Road and Diamond Gully Road
• Road widening on Diamond Gully Road, including kerb and channel
• Ireland Street, including kerb and channel
• Underground drainage
• A shared path extending from Gurri Drive, along Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street, to Martin Street
• Environmental protections

Design

The design process has commenced and draft designs have been prepared for the following:

• Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street, inclusive of underground drainage and shared path - View the plans(PDF, 7MB).
• Signalised intersection design for Ireland Street and Maldon Road - View the plans(PDF, 1MB)

Construction

Reconstruction of the gravel road on Diamond Gully Road between Gurri Drive and Langslow Street, to a sealed section, has been completed as part of Developer funded works.

Environmental Considerations

As part of the design process, it is a requirement to assess the vegetation affected by the design in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) to determine whether permits are required for its removal during the construction phase.

This process impacts on the design completion timeframe, as it may require targeted surveys of the flora and fauna during breeding or flowering season and permit approval by DEECA or the Minster for the Environment and Water.

We are currently completing targeted surveys and will be undertaking permit applications for the removal of vegetation approval.

Target date for design completion is December 2025.

Funding for the construction of the design projects is not currently available. Finalisation of environmental reviews and securing grant funding will be necessary before any construction activities can be scheduled or initiated. Efforts will be focused on identifying and applying for appropriate funding opportunities to support the completion of these works.

Construction of the intersection works on Maldon Road will require liaison and funding from Transport Victoria