Design of Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street Precinct McKenzie Hill

Project typePlanning and design of road upgrades
Project scheduleIn design phase
Completion Date30 June 2026

This design of Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street precinct project involves making a suite of improvements to:

roads
intersections
footpaths, and
drainage.

Project background

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, shared paths, 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 detailed design must be completed, laying the groundwork for efficient and well-integrated infrastructure delivery.

Map of Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street precinct, McKenzie Hill

Design considerations

This project involves the design of:

Intersection of Maldon Road and Ireland Street (traffic lights)
Intersection of Maldon Road and Diamond Gully Road (left in, left out turning)
Intersection of Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street
Road widening on Diamond Gully Road, including kerb and channel (from Lushington Rise to Ireland Street)
Ireland Street, including kerb and channel
Underground drainage
A shared path extending from Lushington Rise, along Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street, to Martin Street
Environmental protections

Where are we now

Design

The project has progressed into the design phase, with several key components now underway. Early investigations and planning activities have informed the development of draft designs, and coordination with relevant authorities is continuing to ensure all elements align with required standards and approvals.

Draft designs have been prepared for the following project elements:

Diamond Gully Road and Ireland Street, including:
- Underground drainage infrastructure
- A shared path to improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity
- View the plans(PDF, 2MB).
Signalised intersection at Ireland Street and Maldon Road, where:
- The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has approved the functional plan for the new signalised intersection.
- With this approval in place, detailed design has now commenced for both:
  - The internal road network
  - The signalised intersection itself
  - View the plans(PDF, 1MB)

Design completion date

The project design program is progressing well, with all major components now in development. The target completion date for design is June 2026, allowing time for technical refinement, authority coordination, and integration of stakeholder feedback.

Construction date

Funding for the construction of the design projects is not currently available. 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.