Road Upgrade Through Deep Water National Park

Members of the Agnes Water and Township of 1770 local community and the region’s city council continue to discuss a proposed upgrade of the 4WD track through Deep Water National Park, connecting Baffle Creek and Agnes Water.

In a meeting, in March this year, Gladstone Region Mayor, Chris Trevor, confirmed the council plans to go ahead with the upgrade, converting the road that runs between Springs Rd at Agnes Water to Wreck Rock at Deepwater, to a general use gravel road, providing access for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, with a passing pull-over facility.

“The upgrade has the unanimous support of the mayor and councilors, and the view is that the sooner this project happens, the better,” he said.

The proposal has been in negotiation for the past 25 years, with some locals arguing the upgrade will jeopardize natural plant and wildlife protected by the park, famous for its diverse coastal lowland vegetation, and the catchment of near-pristine Deepwater Creek, one of Queensland’s few remaining undisturbed coastal freshwater streams.

Others say the road is imperative to the community’s safety, offering better access for emergency vehicles, and will help promote tourism and economic sustainability, making the commute between Baffle Creek (known for its fishing, boating, and kayaking) and Agnes Water easier for locals and visitors.

Gladstone Region Council has reassured locals that they will respect the national park during the upgrade, and it is now between the state and local governments to disseminate.

Campers enjoying 4WDing through Deep Water National Park on the current track