Kershaw Gardens update: Wetlands work underway & plans out to tender
Published on 10 January 2017
As we head into the New Year, Rockhampton’s Kershaw Gardens has begun its exciting new transformation.
Construction of critical drainage infrastructure to the Wetlands area started last week and tenders for the Central Precinct works are currently being received.
Local contractors, Bells Plant Hire have started establishing new outlets and interconnection drains to create a new environmentally-friendly path for the discharge of storm water. Council will also be removing silt and relining selected ponds to improve water retention and ensure a healthy, thriving eco-structure for native wildlife.
These works are expected to be finished by mid-March and will set the foundation for the redevelopment of the Central Precinct.
Rockhampton Regional Council Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford said it is pleasing to see the vision for Kershaw Gardens coming together.
“After so much work being done on cleaning up and rehabilitating the old landfill site, it’s exciting to be at a stage where we can begin delivering the outcomes from our extensive community consultation.
“Working with the community to develop these plans has been inspirational and we are now in a position where we can start turning those dreams into a reality,” Councillor Rutherford said.
Council opened two tenders in December to undertake surface and subsurface civil works and then to commence the construction phase in the Central Precinct.
Redevelopment works include:
- An expansive water play feature which pays homage to the path of the Fitzroy River from origin to delta
- Exciting Playgrounds for all ages, with a focus on nature play opportunities and featuring a the new, modern monorail
- A new pathway and circulation network which creates linkages throughout the park and beyond
- A variety of shade and picnic shelters, barbecues and public amenities
- Expanded carpark capacity at Knight Street
- Lighting for evening use and visitor safety.
The stormwater management infrastructure work is currently underway and preparation for the removal of the Railway Station building commences on the 12 January. The building will be dismantled and where possible salvaged and recycled. This work is expected to be complete within 7-10 days.
“It’s important that the community is aware and understand that during the redevelopment process, there are sections of the Gardens that will be closed to the public and will certainly look worse before we can deliver what will be a very special place for our Region,” Cr Rutherford said.