What’s happening?
Norman Road in Parkhurst has reopened to the Rockhampton community following a six-month staged closure, marking a key milestone in an $8 million infrastructure upgrade.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Marika Taylor and Shane Latcham, and Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich officially opened the road on Wednesday, 11 March.
The works focused on a 350-metre stretch of Norman Road, with upgrades designed to improve accessibility, safety, and connectivity.
Improvements include road widening, new pedestrian footpaths, traffic lights, signage, upgraded drainage, and new stormwater infrastructure connected to the Living Gems Rockhampton over-50s community.
Norman Road connects several key local destinations, including Parkhurst State School, Parkhurst Town Centre, Living Gems Rockhampton, and surrounding residential areas.
The project has been delivered by Living Gems in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council and the State Government.
Remaining infrastructure works, including electrical and trunk drainage, are expected to be completed by May.
Why it matters?
The upgrade strengthens a key transport link in a growing part of Rockhampton and supports future housing development.
It improves how residents and visitors move through Parkhurst while preparing the area for population growth.
Anthony Puljich said the project supports long-term planning for the region.
“Parkhurst is a fast-growing area, and these works are an important piece in the puzzle of enhancing Rockhampton’s broader road network and how people move in and around the city as the population increases,” he said.
Local Impact
The reopening brings immediate benefits for residents living along Norman Road, especially between Boundary Road and Olive Street.
It also improves access for families, students, and visitors travelling to Parkhurst State School and the town centre.
“Locally, it is great news for residents living between Boundary Road and Olive Street, along with those visiting the school and town centre, improving accessibility for all road users,” Mr Puljich said.
The upgrade also supports future residents of the Living Gems Rockhampton community.
“It certainly delivers significant positive benefits for future residents of Living Gems Rockhampton, with those living in neighbourhoods that are well connected to amenities reporting much higher levels of lifestyle satisfaction.”
By the numbers
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The Norman Road project represents an $8 million investment to upgrade a 350-metre stretch of road in Parkhurst, improving safety and access.
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The State Government committed $27.58 million to Central Queensland through the Residential Activation Fund to help deliver 3,600 new homes.
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Living Gems Rockhampton is a $360 million development that will include 505 homes on a 27-hectare site in Parkhurst.
Zoom In
Construction has commenced on the first stage of 58 homes at Living Gems Rockhampton.
The development is designed as an over-50s land lease community and will include $23 million in resort-style amenities.
These include pools, a bowling alley, cinema, yoga space, golf simulator, workshop, dog run, tennis and pickleball courts, an undercover lawn bowls green, and RV parking.
Mr Puljich said the project is attracting strong interest from buyers across the region.
“Our buyers love the fact they can right-size their home and upgrade their lifestyle, in a fast-growing area. It’s the perfect blend of independence and carefree living,” he said.
“Demand has been strong, with interest from across the Central Queensland region.”
Homes are priced from $725,000, with the development located at 930 Norman Road on the former Rockhampton Golf Driving Range site.
Zoom Out
The Norman Road upgrade forms part of the State Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The program is designed to support infrastructure that enables new housing supply across Queensland.
What To Look For Next?
Final infrastructure works, including electrical and trunk drainage upgrades, are set to be completed by May.
The first residents at Living Gems Rockhampton are expected to move in by mid-2026.
