From the Headmaster PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 4350

24 Margaret Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Tel: 07 4687 2525 Fax: 07 4687 2554

Email: head@twgs.qld.edu.au

Website: www.twgs.qld.edu.au

20 May 2020 Dear Parents As announced by the Queensland Government, students in Years 2 – 10 will return to school on Monday, 25 May 2020. We are very much looking forward to the return of the boys. The updated arrangements and details for the remainder of the term are included in this letter as well as important advice regarding Herries Street traffic disruption also commencing on Monday, 25 May. Return to School Details The Senior School will return to the normal daily schedule with lesson times as per the School Diary. There will be some staggering of break and lunch times as recommended by the Department of Education and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). To assist with a staggered departure and traffic management, Year 7 and 8 will finish at 3:00pm. Further details will be shared with boys and parents from Mr Oliphant. The Junior School will also return to normal lessons and daily schedule. To assist with a staggered departure and traffic management, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 will finish and can be collected at 3:00pm for the remainder of Term 2. Junior School parents will receive further details through Facebook and a Junior School newsletter from Mr Campbell. Assemblies, events, excursions, camps, GPS sport and large group meetings will not be conducted until advised by the Government and unlikely for the duration of Term 2. Online and other alternatives have been arranged where possible. Boarding Boarding facilities are subject to strict restrictions and guidelines and we have worked closely with Queensland Health to ensure the safe resumption of boarding at TGS. The direction we have received from Queensland Health is that we are not permitted to return to full boarding occupancy at this stage. However, given our arrangements in place at TGS, Queensland Health has agreed to us increasing our number of boarders to a maximum of 50% of normal occupancy. We currently have the majority of our Year 11 and 12 boarders in residence and the next stage of our boarding resumption is to invite our Year 10 boarders to return on Sunday, 24 May. We thank the many day parents who have offered to billet a boarder and this consideration remains, especially for our younger boarders. Health With an increased number of boys returning to school, it is imperative for boys to practise hygiene measures such as regular handwashing and hand sanitising. Hand sanitiser will be available for boys and staff in multiple locations around the School. While Queensland Health advises it is safe to use water bubblers, boys are encouraged to bring water bottles for personal use. It remains that unwell students or staff should not attend school. Parents of dayboys will be asked to collect their sons if they become unwell during the school day.

From the Headmaster PO Box 2900, Toowoomba Qld 4350

24 Margaret Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Tel: 07 4687 2525 Fax: 07 4687 2554

Email: head@twgs.qld.edu.au

Website: www.twgs.qld.edu.au

Sport and Activities The GPS Headmasters and Directors of Sport and Activities have been meeting this week to continue planning for the possibility of a Term 3 GPS sporting competition. The GPS Association remains committed to following Queensland Government and Health directives regarding the return to training and competition. Formal training is currently not permitted with boys encouraged to continue their at-home conditioning and skills programs. When it is appropriate to recommence a staged return to training, all schedules will be posted to the Sport and Activities website https://saa.twgs.qld.edu.au/. Co-curricular ensembles will return to regular rehearsal timetables commencing Monday, 25 May. Students will also continue their individual music tuition classes during class time. Uniform Shop The Uniform Shop is open from 2:00pm to 4:00pm this week. From Monday, 25 May, the Uniform Shop will revert to normal operating hours on Monday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Tuesday to Friday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Staff As we welcome back the majority of boys, we take a moment to thank the fine work of our teaching and support staff at TGS during this period of remote learning. It has been a significant shift for all teaching staff and they have responded tremendously to the circumstances, continuing their high quality instruction and support for the boys. The teaching staff remain committed to supporting the boys unable to return to school for on-campus learning. Herries Street Traffic Disruption As previously advised, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has planned works to upgrade the culverts at East Creek with closure to the four lanes of James Street at Kitchener Street. Traffic from James Street will be diverted to Herries Street. TMR has confirmed the works will commence this weekend with James Street closed and traffic diverted to Herries Street on Monday, 25 May. With the increased volume of traffic expected on Herries Street, parents are asked to plan their drop-off and collection of sons accordingly. Plans for Junior School student drop-off remain the same. Senior School parents are asked to avoid the Herries Street loop especially for afternoon pick-up times. Vehicles will not be permitted to turn right out of the Herries Street loop exit between 3:00pm and 3:30pm Monday to Friday. Alternative pick-up arrangements that avoid Herries Street are recommended. The early collection of Prep, Year 1, Year 2, Year 7 and Year 8 will assist traffic flow. Project maps and TMR communication documents are attached for your reference. TMR and the School have been in conversation with the Queensland Police Service who will have an increased presence in the area during the road diversion. With the increased traffic, including heavy vehicles, please take caution if travelling along Herries Street. Boys will be advised about the increased traffic and the need to take extra care as pedestrians during this period. Thank you for your continuing support and co-operation. We are pleased to be in the position to welcome back the majority of our boys and look forward to their return. With kind regards

Peter B Hauser Headmaster

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East Creek and West Creek Construction DetourFrom mid-May until August 2020, James Street will be closed where it crosses East Creek and West Creek while the culverts are replaced. Road users are encouraged to use the Herries Street detour, or find an alternative local route. Heavy vehicles must use the Herries Street detour or find an alternative heavy vehicle route. The suggested detour for standard light vehicles is:

KeyWestbound traffic

Eastbound traffic

Closed to traffic

Herries StHerries St

James StJames St

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Please note: the rest of James Street, and all businesses on James Street, will remain open. Giveway to heavy vehicles on detour - Road users are required to

giveway to heavy vehicles when turning on the detour.

- Heavy vehicles using the detour route will be required to use all lanes when turning left or right.

- B-doubles will be restricted to only use the detour route between 8pm and 5am daily.

- Road users are asked to drive with caution and patience when sharing the road with heavy vehicles during this time.

- Please note that westbound heavy vehicles will need to use Prescott Street. Please contact WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au for heavy vehicle specific details.

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East Creek Closure West Creek Closure

Kitchener Street becomes a T-intersection

The eastern side of the Kitchener Street intersection will be closed. Road users can still use the intersection to travel north or south on Kitchener Street, or west on James Street. People visiting The Visitor Information Centre will still be able to access the carpark.

James Street closed between Prescott/Pechey Street to Water Street

James Street will be closed between Prescott Street and Water Street. Road users can still use Prescott, Pechey and Water Streets as required. Toowoomba Hospital will remain accessible from Pechey Street. Andersens Flooring will remain open during construction. PCYC customers will be able to use the Water Street carpark or use the eastern access off James Street.

Contact us

If you have any questions at all, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 4639 0777 or email WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au

John

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Kitchener StKitchener St

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are being promoted widely through the community,

including through local schools.

Q: Will the new Toowoomba Bypass have any

impact on the culvert upgrades?

A: The Toowoomba Bypass has provided an

alternative route for heavy vehicles and motorists

wanting to avoid Toowoomba or heading to other

destinations outside the city. It is estimated there has

been a reduction of at least 80 per cent in the volume

of heavy vehicles using James Street since the

bypass opened.

Q: Will the construction be occurring when the

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is on?

A: No, it is expected that the culvert upgrades will be

complete prior to the 2020 Carnival of Flowers.

Q: Will the PCYC have access at all times?

A: Yes, the PCYC will be able to maintain their

normal daily and evening activities albeit with

alternative access points at certain times. The PCYC

markets held each Sunday will continue and the

department will work with the PCYC to ensure as little

disruption to their access as possible.

Q: What measures are being taken to assist

customers to access parking and businesses

during construction?

A: Customer and resident access to businesses and

homes will be maintained through construction. The

contractor will work with property owners and tenants

to ensure their premises can be reached, including

for pedestrians and anyone with a disability.

Q: What is the cost of the culvert upgrades?

A: The combined cost of the East and West Creek

culvert upgrades is $21.11 million, of which 80%

is funded by the Australian Government and the

remainder by the Queensland Government.

Q: Will any vegetation need to be removed as part

of the projects?

A: A small number of trees will need to be removed

either side of the East Creek culverts on James

Street to ensure the capacity of the culverts can be

increased to achieve the flood immunity required.

Replacement landscaping will include the planting

of turf and native trees and shrubs near the culverts

on both creeks, consistent with council’s verge and

landscaping guidelines.

Q: Will local business owners and residents be

notified in advance of any works?A: Yes, both residents and businesses will be

given at least seven days notice in advance of any

construction works likely to impact them.

The department will work with these stakeholders

to ensure customer and resident access throughout

the works. Please let us know of any special access

requests or conditions.

Visit the department website for more

information and to download detour maps:

www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Featured- Projects/Warrego-Highway-Upgrade- Program

Contact the project team:

Email: WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au Phone: (07) 4639 0777

Frequently Asked Frequently Asked Questions Questions Toowoomba East Toowoomba East and West Creek and West Creek Culvert Upgrades Culvert Upgrades

The Department of Transport and Main Roads

will upgrade the culverts under James Street in

Toowoomba at East Creek and West Creek, to

improve the flood immunity of the intersections.

The projects are being delivered as part of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20

split.

These projects support Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC’s) flood mitigation strategy and were part of the recommendations of the Queensland Flood

Commission of Inquiry following the 2011 Toowoomba floods.

Q: What do these projects aim to achieve?

A: These projects will help keep James Street open during significant rain events. The new culverts will improve channel flow, community safety, accessibility and flood resilience by increasing their capacity to handle flood water.

The upgrades will address urban flood immunity issues by raising the culvert capacity from a one-in-5-year flood event to a one-in-50-year flood event at East Creek and a one-in-100-year flood event at West Creek.

Q: Where are the culvert upgrades going to occur?

A: The East Creek culvert is on James Street between

the Kitchener Street intersection and the Visitor

Information Centre. The West Creek culvert is located

on James Street between Water and Pechey/Prescott Streets near the CBD and Toowoomba Hospital.

Q: When will construction on the East and West

Creek culvert upgrades occur?

A: Pre-construction activity such as geotechnical testing and service relocations has been completed.

Culvert construction works are expected to start mid-May 2020 and be open to traffic by the end of August, weather and COVID-19 conditions permitting.

Q: What will the works involve?

A: Larger reinforced concrete box culverts will replace

the existing drainage and will sit lower in the creek

bed. The bikeway along West Creek will also be

upgraded to maintain the principal cycle network which

links the University of Southern Queensland with the CBD.

Riders will have safe passage via an underpass

beside the culvert under James Street.

Q: How will construction occur and disruption to

traffic be minimised?A: The department and TRC have agreed that the

culvert upgrades will occur under full closure of James

Street at the two sites where East and West Creeks

cross the highway. This will mean a much shorter

and more intense construction period. Local business

owners and residents can expect construction impacts

such as reduced speed limits, limited on-road parking, noise and dust. The department will aim to minimise

these where possible.

Q: Where will local and through traffic be diverted during construction?

A: All James Street traffic will be diverted onto Herries Street. Local road users are welcome to find an alternative route to avoid the two construction sites,

however heavy vehicles must use the Herries Street detour, or find an alternative heavy vehicle approved route.

Heavy vehicles will have speed limit and engine

braking restrictions while on the detour to minimise

noise impacts to residents.

B-doubles will have a curfew which allows them to only use the detour between 8pm and 5am daily. Heavy vehicle operators are encouraged to visit the National

Heavy Vehicle Regulator website at www.nhvr.gov.au for further information on the

temporary permit restrictions.

Access to hospitals for emergency services will be

maintained via construction site detours.

Q: Will the Toowoomba Hospital (Pechey Street)

still be accessible?

A: Yes. Traffic coming from the west will be able to access the hospital as usual, turning onto Pechey

Street from James Street.

Traffic coming from the north or south are encouraged to use West Street, turning onto James Street then

Pechey Street.

Traffic coming from the east are encouraged to use the Herries Street detour, turning onto Prescott Street then going straight onto Pechey Street.

Q: Will detours around the culvert sites be clearly

marked and promoted?

A: Yes, there will be clearly signed and marked

detours around the sites. These alternative routes

``

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will start upgrading the culverts at East Creek and West Creek next week, to improve their flood resilience to a one-in-50-year flood event standard. The major works will improve community and motorist safety as well as accessibility during times of intense rainfall. In order to complete the major works, all four lanes of James Street will be closed at two locations with traffic diverted onto Herries Street. At East Creek, James Street will be closed between John and Kitchener Streets. The James and Kitchener Street intersection will then operate as a T-intersection during the works. At West Creek, James Street will be closed between Water and Pechey/Prescott Streets. Please note that the rest of James Street, and all businesses along James Street, will remain open and accessible. The Toowoomba Hospital will remain accessible from Pechey Street and Andersens Toowoomba (corner of James and Prescott Streets) will be accessible from Prescott Street.

A detour around the construction sites will be signed via Herries Street (see map attached). General road users are encouraged to use the detour or find an alternative route that avoids the James Street closures. Heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes) travelling through Toowoomba are required to follow the detour (with restrictions) or find an alternative heavy vehicle approved route. B-doubles are restricted to only use the detour between 8pm and 5am, daily. The two closures will be staged, starting Friday 22 May 2020 with both sites closed by Monday 25 May 2020. Road users are to follow the detour as signposted. James Street is expected to be fully reopened to traffic in August 2020, weather, construction and novel coronavirus (COVID-19) conditions permitting. Nearby residents and businesses can expect to see workers on site this week as they prepare to start construction. Once started, there will be construction noise and dust while works are completed.

15 May 2020

Advice to Residents and Businesses

James Street closures to upgrade East Creek and West Creek culverts

Advice to Residents and Businesses – – James Street closure to upgrade East and West Creek culverts - 2 -

The works will be conducted between 6.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday. The two work sites will remain closed outside of construction hours, with traffic detoured via Herries Street. Residents and businesses on Herries Street can expect an increase in traffic and associated traffic noise. To minimise the noise impact, heavy vehicles are restricted to no engine braking along the detour route. The safety of motorists and road workers is TMR’s top priority. Motorists are asked to drive to the traffic conditions and obey all signage and instructions from traffic controllers during construction works. TMR, with Toowoomba Regional Council's support, will complete a landscaping project post-construction to replace any removed flora. Please note these works may affect waste collection times, therefore residents and businesses are asked to put their bins out the night before collection. We thank you for your patience and understanding during the delivery of these important works and apologise for any inconvenience they may cause. For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit the QldTraffic website at https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/, call 13 19 40 or download the QLDTraffic app from your app store. For further information, to join a project update register, or if you have any concerns you wish to discuss, please contact the project team by emailing WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au or by calling 07 4639 0777 during business hours.

Herries Street Detour

Give way to heavy vehicles during detour

Heavy vehicles using the detour route will be required to use all lanes when turning left or right. Road users

are required to give way to heavy vehicles when turning. B-doubles will be restricted to only use the detour

route between 8pm and 5am, daily. Road users are asked to drive with caution and patience when sharing the

road with heavy vehicles during this time.

Please note there is a separate detour map for heavy vehicles, to obtain a copy please email the project team

at WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au.