CLIMATE CONSCIOUS WATER PARK RECEIVES Q150 LEGACY FUNDING
Published Monday, 30 June, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Hervey Bay: A climate conscious water park playground at Pialba could be open for family fun by May thanks to $4.95 million Queensland Government Legacy Infrastructure presented to the Fraser Coast Regional Council today by Premier Anna Bligh.
Ms Bligh, in Hervey Bay for her Government’s seventh Community Cabinet said funding for the playground is from the Queensland’s 150th Celebrations Legacy Infrastructure Program - a $100 million capital works program initiated by the State to assist councils create lasting legacies for next year’s 150th anniversary Celebrations.
“This is a great project and I congratulate all involved,” she said.
The $12.8 million project is a partnership between the State, Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Wide Bay Water Corporation.
“In the past a project like this may have used valuable potted water. Today that would be unthinkable.
“Instead this project is one where the architects have put a great deal of effort into developing its sustainability and future relevance.
“It has its own gigantic water tank that harvests 1.8 megalitres of storm water.
“That water is treated so that it’s fit for contact with humans and transformed into a magical playground of water jets, lit at night, talking animal statues reinforcing sustainability messages, a place to surf and even a giant water movie screen.
“This park has something for all ages. An education area will inform the public on innovative science of water production; including desalination and recycling.
“That’s what will make this park an environmental model for others to follow around the world, and goes to show what Council and State Government can do when they work together.”
Today’s funding presentation was welcomed by the Member for Hervey Bay, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara and the Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Mick Kruger.
“Considering climate change every time a major construction is planned is far from burdensome,” Mr McNamara said.
“It creates innovation in design at the same time as creating a fun project that is better for us and for the environment.
“The Wide Bay Water Educational Park is all about fun for the whole family, with an underlying educational message about water usage.
“I have campaigned for this project in Hervey Bay, and I am delighted to join with the Premier for today’s handover,” said Mr McNamara.
Cr Kruger said the Q150 funding from the Queensland Government combined with action-oriented new Council are helping to expedite the project.
“We made a decision on the location of the park at Pialba in our first 100 days of office.
“The funding from the Queensland Government means that rate payers won’t have to dig in their pockets to fund this park that will be enjoyed by locals and visitors.
“It will help us keep visitors entertained in the region longer as they flock to the area for whale watching.
“The community, businesses including tourism operators and retailers, are right behind us on this project.”
He said the Wide Bay Water Corporation was in charge of construction and would be in charge of maintenance and operation of the park.
2009 marks Queensland’s 150th anniversary of independence from New South Wales in 1859.
Media contacts:
Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation 3336 8004
Mayor, Fraser Coast Regional Council 4197 4389
Ms Bligh, in Hervey Bay for her Government’s seventh Community Cabinet said funding for the playground is from the Queensland’s 150th Celebrations Legacy Infrastructure Program - a $100 million capital works program initiated by the State to assist councils create lasting legacies for next year’s 150th anniversary Celebrations.
“This is a great project and I congratulate all involved,” she said.
The $12.8 million project is a partnership between the State, Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Wide Bay Water Corporation.
“In the past a project like this may have used valuable potted water. Today that would be unthinkable.
“Instead this project is one where the architects have put a great deal of effort into developing its sustainability and future relevance.
“It has its own gigantic water tank that harvests 1.8 megalitres of storm water.
“That water is treated so that it’s fit for contact with humans and transformed into a magical playground of water jets, lit at night, talking animal statues reinforcing sustainability messages, a place to surf and even a giant water movie screen.
“This park has something for all ages. An education area will inform the public on innovative science of water production; including desalination and recycling.
“That’s what will make this park an environmental model for others to follow around the world, and goes to show what Council and State Government can do when they work together.”
Today’s funding presentation was welcomed by the Member for Hervey Bay, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara and the Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Mick Kruger.
“Considering climate change every time a major construction is planned is far from burdensome,” Mr McNamara said.
“It creates innovation in design at the same time as creating a fun project that is better for us and for the environment.
“The Wide Bay Water Educational Park is all about fun for the whole family, with an underlying educational message about water usage.
“I have campaigned for this project in Hervey Bay, and I am delighted to join with the Premier for today’s handover,” said Mr McNamara.
Cr Kruger said the Q150 funding from the Queensland Government combined with action-oriented new Council are helping to expedite the project.
“We made a decision on the location of the park at Pialba in our first 100 days of office.
“The funding from the Queensland Government means that rate payers won’t have to dig in their pockets to fund this park that will be enjoyed by locals and visitors.
“It will help us keep visitors entertained in the region longer as they flock to the area for whale watching.
“The community, businesses including tourism operators and retailers, are right behind us on this project.”
He said the Wide Bay Water Corporation was in charge of construction and would be in charge of maintenance and operation of the park.
2009 marks Queensland’s 150th anniversary of independence from New South Wales in 1859.
Media contacts:
Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation 3336 8004
Mayor, Fraser Coast Regional Council 4197 4389