Rockhampton rebounds from Marcia with riverside revitalisation

Published Friday, 16 March, 2018 at 03:28 PM

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Tropical Cyclone Marcia, which hit Central Queensland’s coast in 2015, has been no match for the tenacious spirit of Central Queenslanders, with Rockhampton transforming its badly-damaged upper and lower riverbank into a $36 million community and tourism asset.

Attending the opening of the Rockhampton Riverside Revitalisation Project today, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the city’s darkest days were well and truly behind them.

“Out of such devastation has grown the steely determination to transform Rockhampton,” Mr Dick said.

“The opening of this world-class recreational space along the Fitzroy River says much about the amazing Rocky resolve.

“This hasn’t been about putting things back to how they were, but about shaping one of Queensland’s finest cities and making it fit for the 21st century.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said it is now three years since Rockhampton was ravaged by Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

“It was a traumatic event that will live long in the memory of those who felt its full rage and cleaned-up the devastation it left behind,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“But there is something that will last longer, and that’s the remarkable redevelopment of our riverbank.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 million contribution is a proud investment that will continue to pay dividends for generations to come.

“I’m sure that future generations will continue to benefit from the revitalisation of our beautiful heritage architecture, the introduction of smart technology, thelower bank amphitheatre and water play area and boardwalk leading to the new Boathouse restaurant, and much more,” Ms Lauga said.

“This project was intended to give a battered community a helping hand.

“It has done that and so much more.”

The Queensland Government provided $15 million to the Rockhampton Regional Council-led project, which has created work for local construction companies and jobs for local people.

Mr Dick said Quay Street and Denham Street had already received a full makeover, with new, high-quality roads, granite and sandstone paving to complement heritage buildings, modern street furniture, coloured lighting and enhanced security.

The lower bank recreational space along the river is now well lit and Wi-Fi connected, with a new pier with restaurant facilities, shaded resting areas, revitalised gardens with art installations, a zero-depth water play area and state-of-the-art children’s playground.

“Generations of Rockhampton families will look back at this moment and reflect on how the destruction wrought by a cyclone was a catalyst for something truly great,” Mr Dick said.

“The beautifully-transformed precinct is now a significant asset for businesses, investors, residents and tourists, and I congratulate everyone involved.”

 ENDS

Media contact: Cath Palmer, 0424 823 424