Escarpment parks along Toowoomba’s iconic Great Dividing Range will undergo a $7.4 million upgrade thanks to funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) fund.
The total funding package includes $2.71 million from BoR, $4.46 million from Toowoomba Regional Council and $218,000 from Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project will improve recreational facilities in the parks to help draw more people to the region.
“New lookouts will be built that maximise the brilliant vistas from the range and across the Lockyer Valley,” Mr Dick said.
“Multi-use concrete paths, suitable for bikes, prams and wheelchairs, and more nature trails will also be created, while way-finding and interpretive signage, and enhancements to visitor facilities, will significantly improve park accessibility.
“Council estimates 24 jobs will be supported during the construction period, with a further 19 jobs to be sustained after the upgrades have been completed.
“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to work with Queensland councils to deliver community-focused projects that stimulate regional growth and support local businesses.”
Eight parks in total will benefit from improvement works, including the JE Duggan, Redwood, Glen Lomond and Jubilee Parks.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the upgrades will help make the most of the Great Dividing Range’s spectacular scenery.
“Tourism is a large drawcard for our region, and thanks to the Queensland Government’s funding we can continue to attract new tourists looking for nature and adventure opportunities,” Mr Antonio said.
Round 4 of Building our Regions will see the Palaszczuk Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects – work which will create an estimated 657 jobs.
Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
