Parks upgrades under COVID-19 bounce back funding

Three Redlands Coast parks are being upgraded through $1.75 million in program funding.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the works being carried out at the parks – in Victoria Point, Wellington Point and Alexandra Hills – were funded by the second phase of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

“The stimulus program funding is for $921,934 worth of improvements to Les Moore Park in Victoria Point; $471,000 for the EGW Wood Park at Wellington Point; and a further $357,100 for Alexandra Hill’s Valantine Road Park,” Cr Williams said.

“This was part of more than $5.3 million being invested in Redlands Coast community infrastructure under phase 2 of the LRCI funding. This is over and above Council’s own stimulus spending program, so it is a very welcome windfall.”

The Australian Government’s LRCI program supports local councils to deliver priority projects while supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the LRCI-funded work that was already underway at Les Moore Park covered the replacement of some parks assets and an increase in the number of car parking spaces.

“This will make this popular and beautiful foreshore park even more attractive for local residents and visitors alike – as well as making it easier to find a parking spot,” Cr Hewlett said.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the work being carried out at the EGW Wood Park would be welcomed by BMX riders in particular with improvements to the existing pump track.

“It will also include the installation of a sun shelter, table, seating, water bubbler and also improvements to the footpaths servicing the park,” Cr Boglary said.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges welcomed the work being carried out at Valantine Road Park.

“The emphasis of the work there will be on significantly improving the pathway lighting in this well-used greenspace that connects Finucane and Valantine Roads,” Cr Huges said.

Weather permitting, the work at all three parks is expected to be ongoing through to November this year.

The Australian Government has committed $5.3 million to works in Redland City under the LRCI Program Phase 2.