Council to relocate flood-impacted park equipment
Reusable park equipment prone to flooding across the Lockyer Valley will be relocated as part of a cost-saving measure aimed at minimising repeated damage.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council will begin re-homing usable infrastructure to other nearby parks next month, ensuring local communities continue to enjoy appropriate facilities without incurring unnecessary costs.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor, Janice Holstein stressed the project would not close any parks, but was rather a responsible approach to reduce recurring damage.
“Repairs to park infrastructure are not covered by government disaster funding and therefore need to be borne by the local community through Council,” she said.
“To prevent this, wherever it is practical to do so, we will remove flood-prone park infrastructure and maintain the remainder of the park, with an intention to relocate any infrastructure which can be repurposed to other parks within close proximity.”
Council has been speaking to community stakeholders in the lead up to the project and residents may notice recently-installed signs at affected parks.
“Several parks in the Lockyer Valley are frequently flooded by rising waterways, but it is not only rising water that causes damage, with fast-flowing overland run-off also undermining equipment foundations,” Cr Holstein said.
She said Council’s engagement focus was on providing transparent information on the impacts and benefits for the community rather than seeking feedback on alternatives.
“We’ve thoroughly reviewed the history of flood damage to these parks and determined to remove the most susceptible infrastructure,” she said.
“That said, Council will use community feedback to assess any compelling reasons not to remove the most flood-prone equipment.”
Cr Holstein encouraged residents to understand which parks and what equipment is within the project scope by visiting https://lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au/.
For more information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.
