A significant public art precinct
Having successfully obtained the largest grant of $2.565 million in 2000 from the Queensland Government’s Regional Centres Program (RCP), Caboolture Shire embarked on a $5.12 million project aimed at revitalising Caboolture’s traditional central business district. RCP provided a 50 per cent subsidy, with Council making up the rest. As part of this wider project, the Caboolture Central Streetscape Improvement Project was established. Caboolture is located on the coast, north of Brisbane. What resulted were substantial improvements in amenity and access in the area, as well as public art which has become a source of interest, for both residents and visitors.
The process involved four phases. Firstly, an internal steering group of Council staff was established to assess existing information regarding the site. The second phase required the development of a detailed design concept for King Street, Caboolture’s main thoroughfare. Thirdly, the project involved detailed engineering designs, which were prepared in-house, and tendering for the various works required. Fourthly, construction commenced in February 2001 and was completed in September 2001.
Caboolture has a rich post settlement heritage, aspects of which are still reflected in its current urban form. The public art collectively creates a trail of shire specific artworks which are integrated into the streetscape. The ‘Trail of Reflections’ theme, punctuates the whole precinct with meaningful discoveries.
Streetscape improvements are not new in Australia. Some are highly contentious and it my be difficult to define tangible outcomes from these projects. The success of the Caboolture Central Streetscape Improvement Project can be attributed mostly to the close working relationship established with traders and other community representatives at the commencement of the project.
The public art, while being bold and dramatic, is also empathetic to the heritage and natural values of the area. It has shown to the broader community that regional centres can excel from a national perspective.
For further information contact Caboolture’s General Manager Planning, Simon Banfield, on (07) 5420 0187.
