Vision becomes a reality for Yeppoon CBD as works on Western precinct of The Station project begin
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Council was proud to officially mark the start of works on the Western precinct of The Station in Yeppoon’s CBD today, which has been designed to double as a community hotspot and recovery space following a disaster.
Mayor Andy Ireland was joined by Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Yeppoon-based company Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd, and fellow Councillors at the site, to highlight the various community benefits of the multipurpose venue.
In 2022, Council was successful in obtaining $2.5 million in funding to develop a community recovery space under the Commonwealth Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
This includes construction of outdoor undercover areas, a multi-purpose stage, amenities building, community outdoor area and play equipment, external paved areas as well as fencing and landscaping.
The design of the site allows for separate spaces for differing purposes, with the intended use of the Community Recovery Space to link people with relevant information and support required following a natural disaster.
Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt welcomed the start of works and said the project would benefit locals.
“We know that having a place for people to come together in both good times and bad is invaluable to communities,” Minister Watt said.
“Natural disasters leave a scar on communities, and the Albanese Government is committed to standing with disaster-impacted regions for the long-term.”
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said she is pleased to have secured funding through the Coalition’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program for Livingstone Shire Council to develop a disaster recovery hub.
“As part of the Coalition Government’s $2.2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, the Black Summer Bushfire Fund backed projects which the affected communities said would best support their ongoing recovery,” Ms Landry said.
“It was important that we funded projects that would offer a broad range of recovery and resilience projects, from social and community wellbeing right through to projects that support local jobs, small businesses, and infrastructure.
“I am delighted to see another project I fought hard to secure funding for begin construction and will benefit the Capricorn Coast community following natural disasters.”
The Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said thanks to the Queensland Government, almost $1 million in works helped restore the heritage listed railway building to its former glory as well as construct the new footpath from the Pineapple Trail to the railway building in 2020.
She said the almost $1 million in works has prepared this site for the next phase of development to become a centre point in the Yeppoon township.
“The start of work in this area provides a renewed optimism for the region to attract private sector investment opportunities into Yeppoon, and could kickstart and reinvigorate the town,” Ms Lauga said.
Mayor Andy Ireland said this was an exciting new opportunity for the Western precinct of the site, where the railway building is located.
“These initial works mark the beginning of a fantastic project that will reinvigorate the southern end of the Yeppoon CBD, enhancing the Shire’s thriving social and cultural landscape,” Mayor Ireland said.
“Council has entered into an agreement with local company Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd to develop the Western precinct which allows Council to activate the community recovery space following a disaster, as well as to host recovery events during the year such as Get Ready days.
“During its day-to-day use, the precinct will welcome locals and visitors alike to an inviting community space that will feature family-friendly dining options, an outdoor area including lawns and gardens, bar and taproom, as well as amenities surrounding the heritage railway building.
“It’s important to note that the project plans have been designed to ensure the heritage character is maintained, with the station building itself being state heritage listed.
“Council would like to sincerely thank the Australian Government for their generous funding contribution towards this significant infrastructure project, that will transform the visual appeal and streetscape of Yeppoon’s CBD.”
Limestone Pacific Pty Ltd director Rob McElhenny said their vision for The Station precinct is to create a community space and environment which utilises, but also showcases the existing heritage station building.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the development take shape and uplift the western end of James Street into somewhat of a hub,” Mr McElhenny said.
“The new venue to be known as “The Station 4703”, will include alfresco dining, live music and a taphouse that flaunts craft beers produced by independent Australian micro-breweries.
“We believe with the mix of elements comprising this development, we can create a vibrant and positive addition to the Livingstone Shire community and the proposed developments surrounding The Station site.”
Council will continue to provide ongoing updates throughout the duration of the project.