Parklands in progress
Sod turned on $5.9m project
WORK is now officially under way for the $5.9 million Chinchilla Botanical Parklands.
The project is being cofunded by Western Downs Regional Council and the State Government, which has contributed $2.85 million as part of the Building Our Regions Fund.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said the parklands, which had been 40 years in the making, would serve as an infrastructure and tourism attraction.
“Delivering this wonderful community garden project with the State Government is the fruition of a concept that was first canvassed back in the 1970s and we’re pleased it’s been such a successful partnership,” he said.
“The scale and diversity of what will be on offer in the 4.2 hectare Chinchilla Parklands is a first for our region and we’re excited to start construction on this wonderful recreational space for our community.”
The 4.2 hectare parklands design includes a watermelonthemed water play area, a 1500 guest capacity amphitheatre, and a botanic garden to showcase the region’s diverse flora.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the State Government’s contribution to the project placed value on the vitality and heritage of regional communities.
“The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands is a landmark project for the Western Downs and this is a really good example of State and Local Governments working together to deliver a project that will benefit not only local residents but the whole district, as well as tourists,” he said.
“The Western Downs is a region with noticeable growth across several sectors as well as population diversity and a project of this nature greatly contributes to the region.”
Chinchilla Chamber of Commerce president Amanda Maurice said the parklands would benefit both residents and visitors and add to the liveability of Chinchilla and the Western Downs.
The parklands will be finished in early-2019.