Mayor to hand Keys to the City to cycling’s golden girl

Published on 14 November 2016

Cycling’s golden girl Anna Meares will return to Rockhampton early next month where she will receive the Keys to the City on what promises to be a big night of celebrations for the region.

Mayor Margaret Strelow will present the keys to the recently-retired Olympian shortly before joining other local representatives to officially open Stage 1A of the Riverbank Revitalisation on the evening of Friday, December 9.

It promises to be an exciting evening with Mayor Strelow encouraging everyone to come along and check out the works that have been completed on the riverbank.

As well as the official opening and Anna Meares event, people will be able to enjoy a host of market stalls, entertainment from one of the region's most recognisable musical names, Weathered, plenty of food options and festive activities for children.

The Riverbank Revitalisation is a $36m project, involving $15m from the Queensland Government and $7m from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the riverbank development would be a significant asset to the city.

“Every city has a focal point for visitors and this will be the start of a re-vitalised Rockhampton. I am pleased the Federal Government was able to contribute $7 million into the project under the National Stronger Regions Fund,” Ms Landry said.

“Already, we have seen lot of investment in hotel apartments along the river foreshore and Rockhampton is on a cusp to harness even more growth from its river precinct.”

Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said he was pleased to see this project progressing on schedule.

“The revitalisation of the riverbank and reinvigoration of the CBD has been a matter of focus and concern in Rockhampton for many years,” Mr Byrne said.

“Out of the destruction of Tropical Cyclone Marcia there is definitely some considerable good in the form of this project and its progress.”

“Our community has been long overdue for such a project and it will be pleasing to see it completed.”