Woodlands District Park – Stage 1 of the park’s development

Funding boost for Woodlands District Park upgrade

A redevelopment of Seaforth Esplanade and stage one of Woodlands District Park, including a pump track, at Andergrove have been given a funding boost thanks to the State Government’s Works For Queensland program.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced in Mackay yesterday that council had been successful in securing $9.9 million in the latest round of Works For Queensland (W4Q) Funding for 2021-2024.

The amount included about $2.3 million for the Seaforth Esplanade upgrade and about $2 million for stage one of Woodlands District Park.

It was part of $15.42 million announced for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region.

Mr Miles said W4Q projects would have a positive impact across regional Queensland.

“The enormously successful Works for Queensland program is designed to help our regional councils deliver infrastructure that will not only create jobs, but will also improve liveability in towns and cities outside the south east corner,” Mr Miles said.

“This latest round of $200 million is funding projects that tick those boxes right across our regions.

“The 65 regional councils are best placed to understand the specific needs of their communities, and we have listened to our councils.

“This round of Works for Queensland will help deliver 333 projects, which the councils estimate will create or support more than 3600 jobs where they are needed most.

“This is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the State Government’s Works for Queensland program had been an excellent initiative for regional local governments.

“We’ve been able to complete a range of job-creating projects aimed at improving liveability for residents in the Mackay region through this funding program,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Works for Queensland helps deliver smaller but important projects that provide benefits for our community.’’

Mayor Williamson was delighted key projects like Seaforth Esplanade and Woodlands District Park had received funding boosts under the program.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the funding would support the region’s economy and create jobs.

“This is great news for Mackay and for our region’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“So far 1471 jobs have been created through the Works for Queensland projects across the region.

“This round of $15.42 million being invested across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday council areas will support 210 local jobs.

“I congratulate the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday councils for putting forward some great projects that will make a real difference in these communities.”

Draft master plan released

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A hard copy of the draft master plan is also available to view at the council administration building on Gordon Street and at Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library.

Draft master plan to guide development of Woodlands District Park

COUNCIL has unveiled a draft master plan for Woodlands District Park, which continues to protect the site’s remnant vegetation and highlights the area’s unique natural attractions.

Many improvements are proposed including more paths to ensure better access and connectivity through the park, a new district-level playground, and public amenities.

The draft master plan sets a long-term vision for the park, with the opportunity for improvements to be progressively implemented over four stages.

Mayor Greg Williamson said funding had been secured to proceed with the design for the first stage of upgrade works in the former Broomdykes Drive Park portion of the site this financial year.

“The new district park will meet the needs of residents in the Andergrove, Beaconsfield and growing Kerrisdale community, which is home to about 13 per cent of Mackay’s total population,” he said.

“It is a popular location among families, and we expect this area to grow significantly over the next decade, which is why this project is a priority for council.

“Our vision is to transform the various under-utilised park reserves and adjoining parcels of land acquired for drainage purposes into a key destination for locals to gather, socialise with friends and family and exercise.”

The draft master plan sees this 21-hectare site split into three distinct precincts – Central Precinct, Lake Precinct and Woodlands Reserve Precinct.

“Each precinct will have its own unique feel,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Lake Precinct will allow residents to take in the serenity around the existing water feature, while also incorporating large open spaces and shared paths for exercise,” he said.

“The Central Precinct will serve as the key meeting place for recreational activities, with a district-level playground earmarked for this location, which will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Northview Park and Queens Park.

“And, the Woodlands Reserve Precinct will highlight the significant environmental value of the park.”

Stage one of the draft master plan is anticipated to include:

• A pump or riding track as the first component of the central active recreation zone
• New barbecue and picnic facilities
• Public amenities
• Improvements to the park’s entry along Broomdykes Drive
• Additional pathways with a new cross-park connection
• Drainage and landscaping improvements including a proposal to naturalise the unsightly open swale drain.

Draft Woodland District Park Master Plan under development

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