Rockhampton Regional Council will prioritise parks and open spaces over the next 12 months with $11.2 million set aside in this year's budget for the Parks Renewal, Refresh and Maintenance program.
Council maintains around 1000 hectares of open space, parks, cemeteries, and sports fields across the region for the community to enjoy, with council's 140 staff undertaking around 3,500 hours of maintenance including slashing, mowing, whipper snipping, tree maintenance trimming, irrigation work, weed control, and mulching every week.
Council crews responded to 1145 parks requests last year, this includes irrigation, mowing, general enquiries, fallen branches and tree planting.
They also received 1370 requests for tree trimming and stump removal.
The budget includes a further $400,000 to renew and upgrade local playgrounds across the region, building on upgrades at Anderson Park in Wandal and Curtis Park in Allenstown last year; and continued funding for the annual tree planting program that sees 300 trees planted each year.
Both long-term investments are dedicated to transforming local parks and green spaces into cool, green and welcoming places for the whole community and ensure Rockhampton is a great place to live, work and visit...
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams:
"Rockhampton is a great place to live and raise a family, and having beautiful, welcoming outdoor spaces is a big part of that. That's why we're proud to prioritise parks and open spaces in this year's budget.
"With more than 140 parks across the region, our parks and playgrounds are shared community spaces that bring people together.
"This investment will help ensure they remain safe, welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
"I also want to acknowledge our dedicated Parks team, whose hard work keeps these spaces looking their best right across the Rockhampton Region."
Quotes attributable to Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford:
"Our parks, gardens and open spaces play an important role in supporting recreation, wellbeing and community connection.
"With around 1,000 hectares of parks, sports fields and open spaces to maintain, this investment will help our teams continue delivering the high standard of care residents expect, while supporting future improvements through playground upgrades, tree planting and ongoing renewal works.
"Whether it's families, sporting clubs or residents enjoying shaded green spaces, these investments will ensure our parks continue to be places that bring people together."
