Next step for Kershaw Gardens remediation

Published on 23 June 2017

The journey to restore the region’s iconic Kershaw Gardens has reached a key milestone this week with civil works starting on the Central Precinct.

Since being devastated by Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015, remediation works have been progressively carried out to not only restore the site to its former glory but to make it an even better attraction for locals and visitors.

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the coming works would include both civil works and the redevelopment of the site.

“You have to remember that TC Marcia saw up to 70 per cent of trees lost in some areas and exposed areas of the old landfill along with structural damage to buildings and park furniture,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Cleaning up the initial damage and capping the southern end of the Gardens – which saw 7,500 tonnes of soil trucked in – has been an effort in itself. Council has also taken the opportunity to address site drainage by improving water flow into and through the ephemeral wetlands, resulting in better environmental outcomes for the receiving environment (Moores Creek).

“We flagged at the start of this year that there was still a lot to be done and these works are the next step with local contractors JM Kelly securing the tender for both civil works and the redevelopment.

“Residents have been so patient and understanding during these works and while it is going to look worse before it looks better, we are heading towards a better Kershaw Gardens with the redevelopment to include playgrounds, a maze, shade trees, picnic shelters, barbecues and other amenities,” Cr Rutherford said.

Initial earthworks by JM Kelly are expected to take up to 10 weeks with access and parking restrictions in place at the Knight Street Car Park continuing throughout the redevelopment phase.