Communities in Rockhampton are set to benefit from improved facilities on the summit of Mount Archer, thanks to funding from the Australian Government.
$600,000 from the Community Development Grant Program has paid for a brand new amenities block, while the installation of lights and improvements to the carpark came from a $1.5 million package from Regional Jobs and Investment Packages which also helped fund the construction of the Nurim Circuit and all access pathways.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the projects would bring vast benefit to the Rockhampton region.
“These improvements further cement Fraser Park and Mount Archer, as a prime destination to visit for people who live in Central Queensland and interstate travellers.
“The improved amenities will complement existing regional tourism attractions, contributing to the economic prosperity of the Rockhampton region. The construction of ambulant amenities will also allow for increased access for those with greater accessibility requirements,” Ms Landry said.
“Mount Archer is synonymous with Rockhampton and I’m proud to be a part of a government that delivers for the tourism industry of the local area.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $600,000 and $1,500,000 investments in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Rockhampton region.
“With this new amenity block, tourists and locals of this highly utilised attraction will be provided modern, clean and safe amenities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“By supporting over 33 jobs in construction, in addition to using local businesses and supplies, this project will benefit Rockhampton for years to come.”
“With the delivery of a state-of-the-art lighting installation and significant upgrades to the carpark, these key facilities will cement Mount Archer as a prominent and iconic regional landmark.”
Acting Mayor Neil Fisher said Rockhampton Regional Council was very grateful for the funding Ms Landry had pushed for.
“Quite simply we just cannot deliver these projects without the financial support of other levels of government, and we are very grateful for the funds from the Australian Government to make this work happen.
“It was back in 2013 that we started working on the Mount Archer Activation Plan and the area has been absolutely transformed since then. The plan, which was drafted by Council in conjunction with community and user groups, has guided the investment and improvement to this area and it’s fantastic to see yet another element of that come to life.
“Mount Archer is an absolutely stunning part of our region, and these upgrades will make it even better for tourists and residents alike.
“We already have a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and I have no doubt there will be more to come.”
Parks Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Fraser Park was one of the most beautiful in the region.
“We really are blessed to live in a region with so many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but the view from Fraser Park, along with these great improvements, definitely makes it a firm favourite.”
Works include:
Fraser Park – New amenities and deck
- $600,000 Community Development Grant Program funding through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
- Construction of a new amenities with associated concrete deck and pathways. The amenities is to include one unisex PWD, one ambulant unisex amenity, one male and one female ambulant amenity.
- Discovery Path Lighting
- Regional Jobs and Investment Packages funding through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
- Construction of a multi-purpose area and service access track, installation of electrical services, interpretive elements and landscaping.
- Car Park Renewal
- Regional Jobs and Investment Packages funding through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
- Undertaking renewal works including an asphalt overlay of the existing car park, application of new line marking, construction of new kerbing and installation of new bollards.
