Texas leads the way – and children to benefit: Minister

Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today announced a milestone for the innovative All Abilities Playground Project, with the first of 16 designs ready to roll.

“I am really pleased with the design for the new Texas playground which I am sure will give local youngsters and visitors to the region a lot of fun for years to come,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“It has been themed on the Texas of yesteryear, complete with an old jailhouse, blacksmith and general store,” she said.

“Other fun elements of the design include a sensory garden, sand and water-features, a flying fox with harness, toddler and hand-powered swings, and fully-accessible amenities, including barbecue and picnic areas.

“Almost 12 months in the making, the Texas design is truly one-of-a-kind, and maximises children’s sensory, motor, imaginative and educational play experiences.

“It is the result of extensive community consultation, including the input of local children with and without a disability.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) provided $4.6 million to 16 local councils across the State to develop the all abilities play spaces in collaboration with their local communities and industry experts.

She said almost $370,000 has been allocated for the planning, design and construction of the Texas All Abilities Playground, with Goondiwindi Regional Council contributing a further $40,000.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Graeme Scheu, joined the Minister in congratulating the Texas community for achieving such an important milestone.

“An estimated 250 local residents, including 85 students from Texas State School, participated in a wide range of activities held to capture the community’s views and aspirations for the park, including community and children’s workshops, focus groups and surveys,” Mr Scheu said.

“I take my hat off to this dedicated group, as well as supporters of the original skate park, for playing their part in getting this wonderful project off the ground.”

The All Abilities Playground Project has been based on the award-winning Pioneer Park, located at Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast.

All 16 new playgrounds are planned for completion in 2009.
Council-approved plans of the Texas All Abilities Playground can be viewed at the Texas Library in High Street.

Construction on the East Broadway site is due to start shortly and finish mid year. Enquiries can be to Community Development Officer David Hayward on 0428 719 083.

For information about the All Abilities Project, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au

All Ability Playgrounds are being planned for the following locations:
• Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council – Location New Mapoon
• Cairns Regional Council – Location Mossman
• Carpentaria Shire Council - Location Normanton
• Mount Isa City Council - Location Mt Isa
• Cairns Regional Council – Location Edmonton
• Townsville Regional Council – Location Thuringowa
• Burdekin Shire Council – Location Ayr
• Mackay Regional Council – Location Mackay
• Central Highlands Regional Council – Location Blackwater
• Rockhampton Regional Council – Location Yeppoon
• Fraser Coast Regional Council – Location Pialba
• Gympie Regional Council - Location Gympie
• Redland City Council – Location Capalaba
• Logan City Council – Location Logan Central
• Gold Coast City Council – Location Broadbeach
• Goondiwindi Regional Council – Location Texas

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office – 3235 4280;
Goondiwindi Regional Council’s David Hayward – 0428 719 083

Note:
Design imagery is available from Goondiwindi Regional Council