Families and visitors to Forbes can enjoy two revitalised community parks, with almost $4 million in jointly funded Australian and NSW government upgrades delivering safer, more accessible and flood resilient recreational spaces.
Lions Park and Apex Park (or as locals affectionately call it, "Aeroplane Park") have been officially opened today, marking another milestone in the Central West's recovery from the 2022 floods.
The $3,964,375 Forbes Lake Activation Parks and Amenities Resilience and Betterment Project has delivered upgraded playgrounds, amenities, accessible pathways, drainage and landscaping.
At Lions Park, upgrades include an expanded playground, soft fall surfacing, pathways, landscaping, drainage and accessible parking.
At Apex Park, improvements include an 8.7 metre play tower with three slides, inclusive swings, a new amenities block and improved access, while retaining the beloved flying fox, accessible roundabout and nest swing.
The old playground equipment was donated for reuse overseas through the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playground program and the barbeques at Apex Park were repurposed at Forbes Pool.
The park upgrades were made possible through the $25 million Community Assets Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements.
The program is part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package, which is in place to support recovery from damaging storms and floods in 2022.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:
"As communities across the Central West continue their recovery, we're focused on rebuilding infrastructure that is not only fit for today but resilient to the challenges of the future."
"These upgraded parks demonstrate how recovery funding can deliver lasting outcomes, strengthening disaster resilience while improving the facilities communities rely on every day."
"The Australian Government is investing in projects that leave communities better prepared for future disasters while delivering lasting benefits for local families, visitors and regional economies."
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"The 2022 floods had an enormous impact on communities across the Central West, and recovery is about much more than repairing damaged infrastructure - it's also about restoring places that bring people together."
"By investing in resilient infrastructure, we're helping ensure these much-loved spaces can continue to serve the community while reducing any impact of potential future flood events."
"This is what meaningful recovery looks like - working alongside local councils and communities to rebuild important public spaces in ways that deliver lasting benefits."
Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
"Lions Park and Apex Park are much-loved gathering places for Forbes families and visitors alike, and these upgrades mean they'll be enjoyed for years to come."
"This nearly $4 million investment is about more than rebuilding after the 2022 floods; it's about creating safer, more inclusive and flood-resilient spaces where children can play, families can connect and our community can come together."
Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said:
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to invest in regional communities".
"We are very grateful for their investment in these much-loved community spaces. The redevelopment of Apex and Lions Parks has delivered modern, inclusive and accessible recreational areas that enhance the Lake Forbes precinct and create lasting benefits for our community".
"The transformation of Apex and Lions Parks has delivered modern, inclusive and accessible recreational areas that enhance the Lake Forbes precinct and create lasting benefits for our community."
