The City of Thuringowa in north Queensland, has a population of 51,000 and annual growth of 3.3 percent. With 36 percent of the residents under the age of 19, and 70 percent under the age of 44, it is necessary to provide community facilities as quickly as possible.
Partnerships allow goals to be achieved with greater speed.
“There have been a number of joint projects with the Education Department of Queensland over the years,” said Councillor Les Tyrell, Mayor of Thuringowa.“Seven years ago Council helped to fund an athletics track at Blue Water Primary School,” he said. “There was some interest in little athletics and it was logical to work with the school.”
Council decided, 18 months ago, to work with Kirwan High School, the second largest secondary school in Queensland. The Education Department had built a swimming pool but wanted to heat the pool for year round use. Council provided the funding for the heating and $450,000 for an aquatic centre.
“Council pays ongoing maintenance costs for the complexes and thus secures use of the facilities for the general public,” said Councillor Tyrell. “The aquatic centre is an outstanding success, particularly with families.”
Most recently, an indoor recreation centre at Northern Beaches High School was constructed. This is a relatively new school with its first year 12 intake in 2001. The centre cost $1.8 million to build. Council contributed $900,000 and Education Queensland contributed $900,000.
A management group has been established to manage the centre. It includes representatives from the Council, the school, parents and community.
“The centre is proving very popular,” Councillor Tyrell said. “Residents have formed a new basketball association in the area and the building was the catalyst for this.
“These projects bear out the opportunity to have public use of the school grounds rather than facilities being vacant for much of the time.”
For further information, contact Councillor Les Tyrell, telephone (07) 4773 8411.
