Councils allocated $4.6 million for all abilities playgrounds

Local governments across Queensland will share in a total of $4.6 million to plan, design and construct an all abilities playground in their region.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said 16 local councils* from New Mapoon to Blackwater to Broadbeach would receive funding to work with their local communities to develop playgrounds for children of all abilities.

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

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

“This is about giving young Queenslanders the best chance at life by helping them get off to a good start, and by supporting families and children during the crucial early years.”

This project is part of the Queensland Government’s Best Start—Supporting Families in the Early Years initiative.

Mr Pitt said the latest projects were based on the success of Pioneer Park at Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast, the first all abilities playground built in Queensland.

“Pioneer Park is an outstanding example of innovative design and collaboration between the Queensland Government, Caloundra City Council and the Sunshine Coast community,” he said.

“In fact, Pioneer Park’s innovation won the 2006 Parks and Leisure Play Space Innovative Award 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 helping other local councils develop a further 16 accessible and inclusive public playgrounds that offer enjoyment for children of all abilities and their families.”

Mr Pitt said an all abilities playground represented an outstanding example of building community capacity and meeting local needs.

“The new playgrounds will deliver real benefits to children of all abilities and their families in the local community, as the purpose-designed playgrounds will feature play elements that allow children of all abilities to learn, grow and develop,” he said.

“We had a strong response to this initiative and I congratulate all councils that are committed to making their local communities inclusive for children with a disability.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280

* Full list of recipients and amounts below.

Funding for all abilities playgrounds has been allocated to the following councils:

• $306,100 – New Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council
• $371,800 – Douglas Shire Council
• $316,700 – Carpentaria Shire Council
• $149,500 – Mount Isa Shire Council
• $224,350 – Cairns City Council
• $204,050 – Thuringowa City Council
• $325,550 – Burdekin Shire Council
• $283,150 – Mackay City Council
• $381,000 – Duaringa Shire Council
• $333,350 – Livingstone Shire Council
• $300,000 – Hervey Bay City Council
• $348,400 – Cooloola Shire Council
• $229,300 – Redland Shire Council
• $208,500 – Logan City Council
• $250,500 – Gold Coast City Council
• $367,750 – Inglewood Shire Council.