Mount Morgan streetscape officially opens
Published on 23 February 2018
The foundations of a brighter future for the historic gold mining town of Mount Morgan have been laid with today’s official opening of the $2.4 million Streetscape Improvement Project.
Blending historic elements with modern facilities, the new look streetscape features increased green spaces, seating areas and improved amenities, along with stunning historic icons.
Officially opening the revamped main street with Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow, Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe praised Council for the job-generating project.
“These are the kinds of great community infrastructure projects that the Palaszczuk Labor Government is making possible right across the State,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“This revitalisation - supported through the Works for Queensland Program and the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program of more than $1.4 million - is delivering employment and economic development opportunities that may otherwise not materialise.”
At the heart of the streetscape is the iconic Mafeking Bell monument which has been restored and set as a centrepiece in the CBD, thanks to $37,000 of funding through the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program.
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said he was proud of the Australian Government’s investment in the tourist attraction.
“The Bell was cast at the Mount Morgan Mine in 1900 to commemorate the Relief of Mafeking during the Boer War, which a number of local residents were involved in,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“It was made from pennies donated by local school children at the time. It’s that piece of history that gives it such incredible value within the community as an attraction and photo opportunity for general visitors, military, Scouts and history buffs.”
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said it was amazing to see the transformation come to life after months of work.
“The investment in the Mount Morgan CBD on a per capita basis is actually greater than the investment in the Rockhampton CBD and Council is thrilled with the final result,” Mayor Strelow said.
“The streetscape features impressive arbours paying tribute to the town’s ‘Tree of Knowledge’, refurbished historic icons, relocation of the overhead powerlines and fully rebuilt amenities which will be fantastic assets for the community and make an incredible first impression when visitors come to the town,” Mayor Strelow said.
Parks Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford praised the local business community and primary school who turned out to support the opening.
“The local community has really been fantastic throughout this process and supporting the project despite the necessary interruptions, and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during these works.
“It was especially pleasing to see the school kids there today because they have been watching the transformation from the classroom windows these past months and this morning was their chance to be part of the opening,” Cr Rutherford said.
The Streetscape has been jointly funded by the State Government’s Works for Queensland Program and the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program along with the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme and funding from Rockhampton Regional Council.