Chinchilla Botanic Parkland officially opens with a Splash

Chinchilla’s exciting new $6.021 million Botanic Parkland has been officially opened to the public on Tuesday, 28 May with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the much anticipated first splash of the Water Play Area.

The Parkland, on the site of the old Chinchilla Railway Depot, is the culmination of a community vision going back more than 40 years and was constructed with the support of the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program contributing $2.85 million towards the project with Western Downs Regional Council providing the remainder to create a year-round tourist attraction that supports local employment and community wellbeing.

Mayor of the Western Downs, Paul McVeigh who opened the Parkland with the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said the Parkland was an exciting addition to the Chinchilla community and would be particularly popular with families.

He said it would become a focal point of future community events and entertainment, with a 1500 capacity performance space, the Water Play Area and unique spaces complementing Chinchilla’s rich and diverse history.

“Delivering this wonderful Parkland with the Queensland Government is the fruition of the concept that was first canvassed back in the 1970’s and we’re very pleased it’s been such a successful partnership” said a clearly delighted Mr McVeigh.

“The Chinchilla Botanic Parklands is a huge attraction not just for Chinchilla residents, but as a place where people from all over will come to and enjoy with their families.” There are many areas for visitors to explore, especially children, including indigenous cultural heritage through the yarning circle, and scarred trees which bear the marks where bark was removed long ago for cultural purposes.

The Parkland also celebrates the unique identity of Chinchilla including its unique Railway Heritage dating back to the 19th century when the first tracks were laid.

There is also a Megafauna Discovery area featuring the prehistoric Diprotodon, a giant Wombat and the largest known marsupial, which used to roam the area.

“The scale and diversity of what will be on offer in the Parkland is a first for our region and we’re excited to open this wonderful recreational space for our community,” said Mr McVeigh.

The official opening hosted VIPs from local businesses, local council representatives and those who worked on the Parkland from the initial concepts and ideas to the revealing of the much anticipated space today.

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Media Contact:

Melanie Coultas Senior Media Communications Officer 0419 048 594

For further information about the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, visit: https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/facilities-and-services/parks-and-gardens/chinchilla-botanic-parklands/.