Work starts on extension to children’s play area

A $1.8 million extension to the children’s play area at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve has begun.

The work is being jointly funded by Ipswich City Council and the State Government under its COVID Works for Queensland program.

Mayor Teresa Harding said extension is part of council’s wider masterplan for the recreation reserve and co-funding for capital works enables infrastructure to be delivered as a priority for the community.

“We are committed to facilitating, advocating for and delivering the infrastructure investment that will provide for Ipswich’s growing population,” Mayor Harding said.

“That goes for roads and transport projects as well as the parks and reserves that make our city highly liveable.”

The project will provide a new toddlers’ playground as an extension to the existing playground area.

It will also provide new connection pathways, lighting, the removal and replacement of an existing toilet block and an upgrade and extension to the existing car park.

Division Two Councillor Nicole Jonic said the works would benefit the local economy and improve amenity.

“Ipswich prides itself on being a family friendly city and this council is committed to providing parks and facilities that can be enjoyed by residents of all ages, across the region,” Cr Jonic said.

“It is estimated that 12 jobs will be supported during construction which is good news for the local economy.”

Works are underway at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the upgrade was the centrepiece of the government’s $4.4 million investment in Ipswich as part of the COVID Works for Queensland program.

“Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve continues to be a destination for locals and visitors alike, and these upgrades will further broaden its appeal as we all work towards a healthier and more active Ipswich,” Mr McCallum said.

“This is an investment in our youth, our families and our greenspaces that will support local jobs as we continue our safe and strong recovery from the COVID pandemic.”

Other projects funded through the program are:

• Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central, supply and installation of new water treatment plant
• Moodai Reserve, Bellbird Park, water quality improvements to existing drainage reserve
• Clancy’s Reserve Pathway, Springfield, rehabilitation of existing gravel pathway
• Richardson Park, Goodna, replacement of floor, ceiling and internals wall to change rooms
• Fail Park, North Booval, improvements to existing creek filtration system
• Queens Park, Ipswich, upgrade to existing croquet green irrigation
• SES Depot, Ipswich, new amenities building
• Ipswich CBD, reconstruction of existing asphalt pathway to concrete pathway
• North Ipswich Corporate Centre, replacement of existing carpet
• Sarah Drive, Yamanto, water quality improvements to existing drainage reserve
• Walter Zimmerman Park, Pine Mountain, improvements to existing creek filtration system