Picnickers and plant enthusiasts rejoice: work will soon begin to replace and upgrade over 1km of pathways in the stunning Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.
The $450,000 project, funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program, will see 1,294m of pathways throughout the heritage listed gardens get a full makeover.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said:
“The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens provide a beautiful location for the community to enjoy and I’m thrilled the new pathways are being funded through the Works for Queensland program.
“Across the first three rounds of this program, Rockhampton Regional Council has received more than $27 million to help deliver 37 projects that have created or supported almost 800 jobs so far.
“That’s a fantastic result for our families and our economy.
“Economies around the world have been affected by the pandemic – Queensland isn’t immune and neither is our region.
“The Works for Queensland program feeds into Queensland’s plan for economic recovery – and plan that is already being rolled out.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Parks Portfolio Spokesperson Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the project would make the gardens even better.
“Our community has had the pleasure of enjoying these stunning Botanic Gardens since 1869. The gardens have now grown to become one of the biggest and most beautiful in Australia.
“Over time we have seen our pathways become uneven and damaged due to tree roots and general wear and tear.
“This makes it harder for visitors to enjoy everything the gardens have to offer.
“Replacing our pathways will mean that whether you’re there for a quiet wander, a run, a picnic or even a wedding, you’ll be able to explore the gardens much more easily.
“The pathways will be fully accessible to wheelchairs and prams too.
“We really do have an absolutely stunning botanical collection here in Rockhampton, and we are very grateful to the Queensland Government for funding this project.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Infrastructure Spokesperson Councillor Tony Williams said the works would take around 5 months to complete.
“This work is going to be a great addition to our Botanic Gardens.
“After a tender process the work was awarded to GT Jeffreys, a local company based in Kawana.
“They will be doing the work in stages to make sure that the gardens remain open throughout, but please be cautious when you’re near the fenced off areas.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished work at the start of next year.”
