The new Learn to Ride facility at Australiana Park has officially opened to Warwick cyclists both young and old, made possible with $300,000 from the Palaszczuk Government’s job-creating $600 million Works for Queensland program.
Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the Learn to Ride Park would play a vital role in educating children in how to handle a bicycle under different conditions.
“It’s a good day when you get to open a place where people can come to safely learn to ride a bike,” he said.
“The most important aspect of the 632 metres of pathway, is helping inexperienced riders become familiar with road safety through signs and markings, even a railway level crossing, that are typical features a rider may encounter on the road.
“Projects such as this are especially welcome when coronavirus continues to have major health and economic effects across the world.
“This Works for Queensland program was the springboard for the $200 million COVID Works for Queensland initiative, which is part of Queensland’s economic roadmap to stimulate council economies – a plan that is already being rolled out.”
While in Warwick, Mr Hinchliffe also opened the relocated Warwick SES Headquarters, Warwick Men’s Shed and Warwick Woodcrafters, all made possible through Works for Queensland funding.
Through the Works for Queensland program, Southern Downs Regional Council has received $8.7 million for 32 projects that have created or supported 386 jobs, while COVID Works for Queensland added $2.98 million for five projects and more than 80 jobs.
Joining Mr Hinchliffe at each of the openings, Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi thanked the Government for its support.
“These projects will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our community and improve the overall liveability of our region,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“The Works for Queensland program has played an important role in helping Council deliver job-creating projects and it’s a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our two levels of government work together.”
The SES relocation was also made possible with funding from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
