Council looks ahead to 2018

Published on 05 January 2018

Acting Mayor, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, said:

“Whether it is economic opportunities, sensational events, increased tourism, or fantastic projects, 2018 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for the Rockhampton Region.

“When it comes to events, Rockhampton is thrilled and ready to again be the host of Australia’s national cattle industry exposition, Beef Australia. Thousands of visitors from around the country, and indeed the world, will head to our part of Queensland. In fact, the equivalent of our entire Region’s population will pass through the Showground gates over those seven days. 

“July will see the return of Regional Queensland's premier winter festival. The massive three day celebration which is our River Festival is sure to delight and inspire, and the good news is our Events Team are already working on making it bigger and better than ever before.

“Council will also be working hard to bring new high profile events which will attract business and tourism. We are waiting on the next stage of the feasibility study for Supercars, and we will be launching a bid to hold the 2019 Northern Australia Conference here in Rockhampton.

“These events will draw significant numbers of visitors to our Region, and when they see the wonderful array of new projects our residents are enjoying, plus some promising economic opportunities, they may well be keen to stay.

“We will all continue to be able to take advantage of projects finished in the later part of last year, including the Gracemere Waterpark, the first stage of the Riverbank development, and of course our wonderful new water slides. However in 2018 we will really see a lot of hard work that has been done – both in terms of repairing the damage from Cyclone Marcia and investing in the facilities our residents need and deserve – come to fruition. In the early part of this year we have a number of major projects opening which I am incredibly excited about.

“The Rockhampton Riverbank Revitalisation project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council, will really come into its own. Residents have watched the changes to the Riverbank, and in March we will be opening up the next stage which includes the Pier Restaurant extending over the Fitzroy River. A grand staircase and all abilities lift will connect visitors from Quay Street to the lower bank where families can enjoy shaded seating areas, revitalised gardens with art installations, a zero-depth water play area and a state-of-the-art children’s playground.

“Visitors to Mount Archer, many of whom have already been enjoying the new mountain bike trails, will have even more to explore by the end of the summer. A new outdoor learning area is almost complete, meaning those who want to find out more about the wonders of our natural world can do so outside the classroom. They will even be able to take in truly spectacular views of the Berserker Range, the Fitzroy River and Rocky’s CBD when the first stage of the elevated boardwalk opens.

“Mount Morgan’s tourism credentials will also soar to new heights thanks to a stunning makeover of the main street as well as a new scenic lookout on the upper slopes of the Mount Morgan Range.

“In the winter we will be able to enjoy much more of our beloved backyard, Kershaw Gardens. Residents can look forward to a show stopping wet play area representing our iconic Fitzroy River for families to paddle and play, as well as a monorail, timber play towers, shared picnic shelters, new amenities and free Wi-Fi.

“Our thanks must go to the State Government for providing excellent funding initiatives including Works for Queensland and Building our Regions, which has enabled Council to deliver some amazing lifestyle projects for our community.   

“Rockhampton Region will continue to grow and shine over the next twelve months. When Council, State and Federal Government, private enterprise and our community works together there is little we can’t achieve. I want to wish all of our residents a very Happy New Year – it’s going to be a great one."