The Caves Lions Bicentennial Park upgrades complete in time for Christmas!

The Caves Lions Bicentennial Park has received some welcome additions recently, ready in time for the Christmas and holiday season. 

Livingstone Shire Council has undertaken upgrades to the park, including a hard roof shade structure over the existing Skate Park, additional play equipment, pathway linkages, irrigation, and landscaping.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through a Central Queensland Bushfires Flexible Funding Grant. 

Livingstone Shire Council was successful in obtaining $150,000 under the CQ Bushfires Category C Flexible Funding Programme – Round Two 2019, to provide upgrades to the park and Council contributed a further $30,000 towards the upgrades.

Mayor Andy Ireland and fellow Councillors including Councillor Glenda Mather, Councillor Pat Eastwood, Councillor Andrea Friend and Councillor Adam Belot, gathered with members of The Caves community at the park today to celebrate the completion of the project.

Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood, said it was fantastic to see residents of all ages enjoying the new and improved parkland.

“Council is committed to enhancing the liveability for all residents across our Shire, and the response we have received from the local community about the upgrades has been brilliant.

“Council would like to sincerely thank the Australian and Queensland Governments for their funding contribution towards this important community project.”

Councillor Glenda Mather, who was involved in the preliminary discussions around the design of the park in conjunction with The Caves and District Lions Club committee, said the key priorities for this project were a result of a series of community consultations.

“Residents identified the important role a welcoming green space would play for the community in regards to building social cohesion and strengthening connections,” Cr Mather said. 

“The park will become a central space where community led initiatives can take place at any time of the year.”

A resident of The Caves for the past 25 years and member of The Caves Playground Committee, Kristine McHugh, said the park upgrades will have a significant impact on the local community.

“The skate park will now be able to be used all day, even in the middle of summer. This, along with the upgrade to the play equipment, paths and gardens will now make this area a community hub for parents and children to meet and play,” Mrs McHugh said.  

“It will give the community a revitalisation and encourage tourists to stay a little longer in our area. Most importantly, in the event of fires or disasters, it will be a safety zone for all residents. 

“We would like to thank Glenda Mather and Livingstone Shire Council for all of their efforts in supporting the community in this development.”