Rockhampton Reveals $36million Riverside Revitalisation
Published on 16 March 2018
Early this morning, construction fences were finally removed from Quay Street, revealing the highly anticipated, world-class, riverside precinct that residents of Rockhampton have been eagerly awaiting to see.
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow, State Development Minister Cameron Dick, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh, State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke, and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry today officially opened the Riverside precinct – a revitalisation spanning from Fitzroy Street to William Street.
Mayor Strelow said the unveiling of Riverside is an historical moment for our community.
“Today our city re-emerges, with a new look - far removed from its humble beginnings on the banks of the Fitzroy,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Today’s unveiling is a celebration of the resilience of this community and it is celebration of what we can achieve when three levels of government work together.
“A huge thank you to the contractors, large and small, who delivered for our community. And especially a proud thank you to the Rockhampton Region’s own Council workers - wherever they fit in the organisational tree.
“This project had its genesis in a disaster three years ago and just as you were the city saviours after Marcia you have been the proudest contributors to this renewal.”
In addition to the streetscape redevelopment on Denham and Quay Street’s, which is already receiving accolades, today’s unveiling of the low bank revealed the new Boathouse restaurant, a grand staircase leading to a plaza area dedicated to tennis great Rod Laver, waterfall and waterjet features, state-of-the art playground and public art.
With a significant State government investment of $15 million toward the redevelopment, Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project is not only a catalyst for change in Rockhampton, but also an economic driver for the Region.
“Projects like this drive real change in regional cities like Rockhampton. It sets the stage, it prompts and attracts new investment and it adds tremendous value to the community lifestyle,” Mr Dick said.
“I am very pleased to be representing the Premier today to open this exciting project, which is set to transform this part of Rockhampton into a vibrant cultural and business hub.
“It’s a testament to the resilience of the people of Rockhampton that out of the devastation of Cyclone Marcia, we have been able to do more than put things back how they were.
“We’ve been able to make them even better,” Mr Dick said.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the redevelopment had removed the aging structures, replacing them with a new facility that would help attract more than 40,000 visitors annually.
“This is a wonderful project for Rockhampton that will open up this important part of the city. The large increase in the number of visitors coming to enjoy the new riverfront will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy,” Ms Landry said.
“Of course, it has also created local jobs, including 30 jobs during construction and 46 ongoing roles.”
“This project was all about bringing back Rockhampton’s natural charm, a giving the riverfront a new lease on life. With better footpaths to access the riverbank, new dining options, and public art celebrating the local Darumbal culture, there’s never been a better time to take in the beauty of the area,” Ms Landry said.
This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($7 million), the Queensland Government ($15 million) and the Rockhampton Regional Council ($14 million).