Chinchilla locals continuing to benefit from Parklands project

Two Chinchilla nurseries are already growing more than half of the plants required for the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands project.

Of the 24,000 individual plants the Parklands will boast, about 14,000 have already been planted by local nurseries Tu Lagoons and Widdons.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said it was important for Council to use local services where they could.

“We’re so proud to be working with local nurseries to use their products and local knowledge for the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands project,” she said.

“We’ve had community involvement at every stage of this project and this is just one more way local businesses can benefit.

“In addition to the massive contributions from Widdons and Tu Lagoons nurseries, plants will also be propagated and cared for in an ongoing capacity by the Friends of the Botanic Parklands — a group we encourage anyone to join.”

The first of the seedlings were planted in September 2018 and will continue growing at the nurseries until they’re ready to move to the Parklands at the end of February.

Principal Contractors’ Project Manager Peter Sherrington said he’s tried to use as many local contractors as he could for the project.

“We chose local nurseries because having a product growing in a local area on a big project like this is really important,” he said.

“Plants get used to local conditions and the local growers have a bit more knowledge as to what grows best in the area.

“The plants specified for the Parklands are mostly natives and they’re looking unreal at the moment.”

The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands will open in late March.

For more information on the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands, visit www.wdrc.info/chinchilla-botanic-parklands.

— Ends — Media Contact:      Sophie Volker       Senior Media Officer       0448 048 144