Kershaw completion edging closer

Published on 15 March 2018

Barry-ORourke-Mayor-Strelow-and-Deputy-Mayor-Rutherford-at-Kershaw-Gardens.jpg

The highly-anticipated reopening of Kershaw Gardens is another step closer with the exciting above-ground elements starting to take shape.  

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

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke today joined Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow and Parks Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford to view the latest works. 

Mr O’Rourke said the State Government’s $5 million ‘Building Our Regions’ investment would help make the gardens a centrepiece of the city once again.

“I am proud that the Queensland Government was able to step in and support the Rockhampton Region after the devastation of TC Marcia,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“The $5 million from the Building Our Regions fund is a great investment, and the community are going to have some fantastic new facilities.

“Once completed this will truly not only be a great place to take your family if you are a local, but will also be a big attraction for tourists helping to boost our local economy.” 

Mayor Strelow praised the State Government’s investment for making the city’s ultimate backyard affordable for the community.

“Understandably, the redevelopment of Kershaw Gardens is very important to our community ,” Mayor Strelow said.

“I believe we should be able to measure the success of the redeveloped Kershaw Gardens by counting the number of family gatherings and birthday parties held there on any given weekend!

“This playground will be without doubt the most appealing of any in the Region. 

“I often have people from Brisbane tell me that they 'know' Rockhampton - that they used to drive through Rockhampton on the way to visit family further north at Christmas holiday time. 

“I want a generation that remembers Rockhampton for much more than that!

“Ultimately there will be a ring-road around Rockhampton - and it is projects such as Quay Street and Kershaw Gardens which will help to lead the traffic through the city. Happy to leave the trucks on the ring-road but we need to entice holiday makers and travellers to come through the city and to be tempted to stay a while. 

“I really have to thank and congratulate both the Queensland Government and Federal Government for their funding support of this project, both through Building Our Regions and Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

“Council also significantly invested in this project and contributed $6.6 million and it is so pleasing to see that investment is about to pay off for or community because Kershaw Gardens will be, without a doubt, a jewel in our Region’s crown,” Mayor Strelow said.

Chair of Council’s Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee, Deputy Mayor Cherie Rutherford, said she was very much looking forward to being able to open the gates to the community.

 “Work on the underground services including water and communications is almost complete and construction is well underway on the shade shelters, BBQ areas and amenities.

 “Other impressive elements include the popular, and in-demand, monorail, double flying fox and swings, timber play towers and free Wi-Fi, and of course the showstopping iconic Fitzroy River water play area,” Cr Rutherford said.

The redevelopment of the central precinct is being constructed by all local contractors and is anticipated to be completed in June 2018.