Popular community recreation facilities at several dams and weirs in regional Queensland are in line for a makeover as part of a five-year, $24.5 million upgrade program.
Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the funding will allow for a range of improvements to significantly enhance more than a dozen recreation areas across the state.
“Our dams, weirs and lakes aren’t just to provide water supply, they’re centrepieces of tourism in many of these wonderful Queensland communities,” he said.
“The upgrades will ensure recreation areas meet community expectations, safety standards and accessibility requirements.
“They will also help to generate long-lasting economic and tourism benefits for local businesses.
“The Palaszczuk Government worked hard to ensure this year’s budget will provide good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle to people across the state and this announcement is just more evidence of that.
“Whether camping or caravanning, boating or fishing, or having a family picnic, we want to make sure these facilities are in top condition for Queenslanders as well as a drawcard for travellers.”
The program of work will involve upgrading and maintaining lookouts, camping and toilet facilities, boat ramps for public use, playgrounds, barbeques, picnic shelters, sprinkler systems and access roads.
Upgrades will be undertaken at dams and weirs owned and operated by Sunwater, from St George in the state’s south, to Atherton in the far north.
The funding will initially allow Sunwater to complete necessary site investigation and planning works, before works can commence on the ground.
Sunwater Chief Executive Officer Glenn Stockton said the upgrades demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the communities in which they operate.
“We understand the importance of local recreation and tourism in regional Queensland,” he said.
“Our dams and weirs store and supply water to keep industry moving, irrigate crops and provide drinking water for towns – but they are also highly valued community assets.
“We will ensure these upgrades improve recreation opportunities at our dams while ensuring they continue to provide critical water security for our irrigation, industry and urban customers.”
