Upgrades by Balonne Shire Council, Queensland, to St George’s Lions Park on the river foreshore are much appreciated by parents of young children, according to local mother of two.
Courtney Turvey had written to Council and approached Deputy Mayor Councillor Fiona Gaske seeking a fence around the popular park to allow children to play there safely.
“It’s a great little park, but was only partly fenced and is close to the road, so it made sense to fence it properly and provide a safer environment for the kids to play,” she said.
“I’m really happy with the new fence and am delighted that Council also laid soft-fall synthetic grass – that was a bonus I wasn’t expecting and it’s a real hit with the kids.”
The $30,000 upgrade to Lions Park is part of Council’s larger $425,000 St George River Foreshore Upgrade funded by the Regional Economic Development Program (REDP).
The REDP funding will allow improvements to park areas the full length of the foreshore providing for toilets to be converted to a unisex, disabled facility; improved car parking, new footpath and shade sail replacement; a new barbecue shelter, barbecue and seating; a bush tucker garden; the flood pole and seating in Apex park upgrade; and new barbecue shelters at the Canoe Ramp.
“Council was also fortunate to receive Drought Community Program funding for upgrading the carpark, footpath and kerbing at the Canoe Ramp. Most of the work at the Canoe Ramp is now complete.
“Our aim is to enhance one of St George’s best assets – the Balonne River. These improvements will ensure the parks along the foreshore offer plenty of opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the facilities and river.”
REDP funding of $372,000 was also received by Council for the Dirranbandi Rail and River Precinct Stage 1 which will see the construction of a carpark, footpath, seasonal billabong and landscaping.
