Bundaberg’s very first set of traffic lights flickered to life in 1964, standing proudly at the ANZAC Memorial intersection where Bourbong and Barolin Streets meet.
Unfortunately, their arrival was anything but smooth.
According to research and an article by Bundaberg Regional Libraries staff, the traffic lights caused a mixture of emotions from residents.
Back in October 1962, a new right-hand diamond turn was introduced at the same intersection.
The change caused such confusion that two police officers were stationed there for 16 hours straight to guide motorists.
The turn quickly earned a reputation as troublesome, yet finding a better solution proved just as tricky.
Adding fuel to the debate, some began to question whether the ANZAC monument itself should be moved to ease traffic congestion.
The idea sparked controversy, though a News Mail street poll surprisingly showed that most residents supported relocating the monument – preferably to ANZAC Park, facing down Barolin Street.
By January 1963, Bundaberg’s traffic woes had become serious enough for the City Council to call in State Traffic Engineer Mr. K. Leitch for advice.
One of the key topics on the table was whether the diamond turn was truly safe and Mr. Leitch didn’t mince words, describing the monument as a “traffic hazard” that blocked drivers’ views.
Conversations soon turned toward installing traffic lights at major Bourbong Street intersections and, inevitably, who would foot the bill.
After months of debate over turns, lights and the fate of the monument, progress finally prevailed.
On 30 May 1964 the News Mail announced that “Queensland’s most complex set of traffic lights will become operative at Bundaberg next week.”
The lights earned that title thanks to the intersection’s unique layout and unusually wide streets.
Testing began on Tuesday 2 June 1964 to ensure all the electrics were functioning properly.
Mr. Leitch and a Mr. Saxby travelled from Brisbane to oversee the official switch-on and set the timing sequences.
The lights were programmed to operate daily from 7 am to midnight, flashing amber through the night.
Finally, at around 2 pm on Thursday 4 June 1964 Bundaberg’s first traffic lights were switched on permanently.
Crowds gathered to watch as motorists navigated the new system, especially during the 5 pm rush.
The intersection ran smoothly, earning the approval of councillors, police and Mr. Leitch himself.
Information in this article has come from the original piece by Bundaberg Regional Libraries, which references Bundaberg News Mail, various issues,
2 Oct 1962—5 Jun 1964.
