Two new amenity buildings in Toowoomba’s Queens Park have opened to the public.
The facilities are the latest instalments in the $12 million Queens Park Revitalisation project, which was jointly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program and Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC).
Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to contribute to the revitalisation of Toowoomba’s iconic Queen’s Park.
“We expect all of the projects funded by the Building our Region program to play an important role in Queensland’s ongoing plan for economic recovery,” said Assistant Minister Boyd.
“With these improved amenities Queens Park will be able to host more community events, encourage additional visitors to the area and create even more local jobs for associated business.”
TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the Botanic Gardens amenities building, at the southern end of the gardens, and the Vera Lacaze Park amenities near Frog’s Hollow fronting Margaret Street, had been completed.
“He said the project had been completed on schedule, well in time for the influx of visitors expected to enjoy spring outings and events in Queens Park, particularly for the month-long 2021 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers celebrations across September.
“The Botanic Gardens amenities include six unisex, ambulant toilets and a Persons with Disability (PWD) cubicle with baby change facilities. Landscaping works and installation of lighting and City Safe security services were included as part of the construction project,” Cr McMahon said.
“The Vera Lacaze amenities were designed to better align with current Australian standards and provide accessibility improvements for the south-west corner of Queens Park.
“The new building includes eight female toilets, three male toilets, three unisex, ambulant toilets, a Persons with Disability (PWD) cubicle and an accredited Changing Places room.
“The Changing Places room is the first of its kind for the Region. It is designed specially for people with complex disabilities and their carers. The room is fitted with an electric hoist, change table, shower, privacy screen and a peninsular toilet.
“Gardens and landscaping were completed adjacent to the new Vera Lacaze amenities. Security improvements including new lights and City Safe security services have also been installed.
“These amenity upgrades provide convenient and accessible public facilities at Queens Park and enhance the park’s reputation as one of the Region’s premier destinations.”