Chinchilla Botanic Parkland to launch with fun community activities

The much-anticipated Chinchilla Botanic Parkland will open with a community fun day on 1 June.

The Chinchilla Botanic Parkland will become a focal point of the whole town, with spaces for all ages to have fun, relax, exercise, learn and hold events.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh is delighted that the community’s long-term vision for this 4.2-hectare space has been realised.

“This $5.9 million project includes a 1500-capacity amphitheatre for large and small events, a state-of-the-art water play area and beautiful turf which provides spots for picnicking and kicking a ball around in,” he said.

“Environmental sustainability has been incorporated, with the water play area’s splash pad allowing water to be drained, quality treated and recycled daily.

“We have also showcased the identity of Chinchilla, including unique scar trees that reveal our rich Aboriginal Culture and a nod to the prehistoric giant wombat, the Diprotodon that once lived in the area.

“The Megafauna Discovery Space will be a big hit with children and adults alike.”

Chinchilla’s historical origins are respected, with a display feature located in the same spot where the train depot once stood, revealing Chinchilla’s railway history dating back to the late 1800’s.

There will be an official opening by a representative from Government on 28 May, and the amphitheatre will be ‘christened’ at a community fun day on 1 June, with Ranger Stacey and Agro heading up the family-friendly entertainment.

The State Government contributed $2.85 million to the project as part of the Building Our Regions funds and placed value on the vitality and heritage of regional communities.

“Delivering the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland is a concept that has been on the table since the 1970s, so we are delighted to finally see this wonderful recreational space come together in a successful partnership with the State Government,” Mayor McVeigh said.

“Our local community has also provided essential input into the planning, with local nurseries and schools getting involved and adding some special touches to the parkland.”

More details about the community fun day will be announced in early May.

The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions Fund in association with Western Downs Regional Council.

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Melanie Coultas          Senior Media & Communications Officer             0419 048 594