All abilities playgrounds planned across Queensland

Local governments throughout Queensland are being invited to take part in a $5 million initiative to plan, design and build an all abilities playground in their region.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the project was part of the Queensland Government’s Better Start – Supporting Families in the Early Years Initiative.

“It’s about giving Queenslanders the best chance at life, by giving them a good start and by supporting families and children during those crucial early years,” Mr Pitt said.

“The project will be based on the success of Pioneer Park, the first all abilities playground we built at Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast.

“The playground at Pioneer Park is an outstanding example of innovative design and collaboration between the Queensland Government, Caloundra City Council and the local Sunshine Coast community.

“In fact, Pioneer Park’s innovation won the 2006 national Parks and Leisure/PRAV Playground Design Award for Innovation and a certificate of commendation for Innovation in Industrial Design of Playground Elements from the 2006 Kidsafe NSW National Playspace Design Awards.

“Now we are offering councils an opportunity to share in the $5 million allocated to this project, to help develop up to 20 fully accessible public playgrounds that offer enjoyment for children of all abilities and their families.

“These playgrounds will allow children of all abilities, especially those with high physical support needs, to experience all elements of play including sensory, motor, imaginative and educational.

“Each purpose-designed playground will also become a free community resource where families can relax and enjoy some respite from their parenting roles.”

Mr Pitt said fact sheets were being sent to every council across the state to explain the proposal and seek expressions of interest to be part of the expansion project.

“An all abilities playground represents an outstanding example of building community capacity and meeting local needs by working in partnership with local government and community organisations,” he said.

“This project will deliver real benefits to children of all abilities and their families in the local community, and will feature equipment that allows children to learn, grow and develop.

“I encourage all councils to consider the benefits of this outstanding community project and to lodge an expression of interest,” he said.

For more information about the project, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280