Council has announced a revised construction schedule for the Hinterland Playground which will see the unique nature-based, all-abilities playground open to the public in March 2022.
Work is progressing at the site of the new Hinterland Adventure Playground.
According to Mayor Clare Stewart there are three key factors that have pushed the completion date into the new year.
“Noosa, like many other councils across Queensland, has experienced significant delays in supply due to interstate Covid lockdowns, especially in NSW, delaying manufacturing of critical play equipment components,” said Mayor Stewart.
“On top of this, we are operating in a very heated construction market and whilst we have strived to employ our local tradies, demand in this market means we haven’t had access to enough highly skilled contractors required for the bespoke carpentry work associated with a build of this calibre,” Mayor Stewart said.
The site itself also presented some environmental factors with development planning conditions that needed to be resolved during the year as the playground took shape.
According to Acting CEO, Larry Sengstock, Council has worked tirelessly over the past 10 months to manage delays caused by these factors.
“The supply and labour market issues were not part of the planning equation when we started this project, but they have really impacted our construction schedule in the last few months,” Mr Sengstock said.
“We remain committed to delivering a high-quality architectural playground for the community – a playground that is far more than a ‘great park’, a playground that is a tourism destination and one our local community will be very proud of,” he said.
The following works are underway at the Hinterland Playground:
- In-ground stormwater treatment systems and water connection to playground have been installed
- All play equipment, including Rocketship and other specialist structures, have been fully fabricated and installation has commenced on-site
- Water-play feature, internal pathways and bridges are almost complete
- Amenities Block and adjacent mounded viewing area construction is complete
- Fitout of the amenities block is underway, including the “Changing Places” room
- Delivery and installation of mature tree stock underway to select areas
Council has also completed 34 new carparks, 22 overflow carparks, a new raised pedestrian crossing, additional disabled carparks as well as pathways to provide connectivity to the playground and the township of Cooroy.
“Once completed, the $4.1million Hinterland Playground, which is a joint initiative of Noosa Council and the Queensland Government, will deliver a stimulating environment of a nature-based playground that will keep people of all ages and abilities entertained for hours,” Mayor Stewart said.
“I look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy this great facility in March 2022.”
The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies program in association with Noosa Council.
