Budget - City’s parks network a jewel in the crown
Date published: 6 July 2016
Townsville’s outdoor lifestyle will again receive top billing with upgrades and renewals for parks and playgrounds across the city in the 2016/17 City Budget.
A total of $8.3 million will be spent on capital works in 31 local parks from Kalynda Chase to Alma Bay on Magnetic Island.
The parks allocation includes $1.2 million for the completion of the upgrade of Illich Park in Aitkenvale, $2.4 million for the completion of Stage 1 of the Peggy Banfield Park upgrade at Bushland Beach and $900,000 for a start on Stage 2.
Castle Hill is also a winner with $350,000 allocated for improvements at the summit with upgrades to signage, fencing, furniture and pathways planned.
The parks budget comes hot on the heels of the $2 million Stage 2 of the Jezzine Barracks redevelopment, the $300,000 renewal of the teen rager playground on the Strand and the $2.8 million Strand Water Park redevelopment currently underway.
Infrastructure Committee chairman Cr Mark Molachino said Townsville’s parks network was among the best in regional Australia and a major attraction for the city.
“There’s very few cities that match Townsville with the Strand, Jezzine and Riverway and the great parks we have throughout the city,” Cr Molachino said.
“Renewing and upgrading facilities is the key to keeping our parks network in top shape.”
The new upgrades include parks in Heatley, Currajong, Aitkenvale, Nelly Bay, Oak Valley, Oonoonba, Alma Bay, West End, Wulguru, Bushland Beach, Kalynda Chase, Kirwan, Rowes Bay, Annandale, Idalia and the CBD.
Parks Highlights
- $1.5 million for renewal of fencing, playground and sporting equipment, picnic shelters, lighting, irrigation systems and water features
- $4.3 million will be spent on the redevelopments at Illich and Peggy Banfield Parks
- $350,000 Castle Hill summit upgrade
