Refurbishing the region’s playgrounds and making gardens and natural areas more accessible for families will be the focus of Bundaberg Regional Council this financial year.
As part of the 2022/23 budget, funds have been allocated to the rejuvenation of open spaces which includes new pathways suitable for prams and people with disability.
Parks and Gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said Council was committed to accessibility improvements to provide a richer experience of the great outdoors to the whole community.
“We’ve identified that some of the region’s parks simply do not have enough pram ramps or the width of older pathways are no longer compliant,” he said.
“In the last financial year, Council made improvements to pathways at Stehbens Park in Kepnock and Doblo Park in Elliott Heads with great feedback from the community and we hope to continue this work to other areas into the new financial year.
“Providing appropriate pathways that allow for all sorts of modes of transportation, including prams, carts, wheelchairs, bikes and more means everyone in our community gets the opportunity to explore our amazing natural areas.”
Council focuses on playground and park improvements
Cr Honor said improvements to the region’s playgrounds would also continue into the new financial year.
“Our parks team has been working hard over the past 12 months to upgrade a huge range of playgrounds right across the region and that is set to continue,” he said.
“This will include a fit out of nature-play equipment at Washpool Creek while a brand-new playground in Avalon Street, Burnett Heads will be developed for community use.
“We are also undertaking playground upgrades at Banksia Park in Woodgate, Apple Tree Creek and Heathwood Park at the Hummock.”
Cr Honor said the installation of shade sails would also take place across a range of playgrounds.
“Our annual shade sail program will continue which in the last financial year delivered protection from the sun for six parks,” he said.
“We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful regions in all of Australia, in my opinion, and with more than 300 parks, there is always plenty for explorers young and old to experience and appreciate.
“By maintaining these areas, we can ensure we are providing safe spaces for the community to enjoy for years to come.”
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