Inclusion in the project does not mean all infrastructure will be removed. In most cases, there will be a reduction or relocation of frequently damaged infrastructure rather than complete removal. The full scope of works can be viewed in the fact sheet in the Document Library.
Park infrastructure will be relocated where possible if equipment has not sustained any damage that may affect the longevity of the park infrastructure (e.g. structural damage).
The parks identified are highly vulnerable to flood waters and sustain repeated damage to infrastructure, meaning future weather event damage is highly likely.
The most susceptible furniture and equipment will be removed with the remainder of the park maintained. The full scope of works can be viewed in the fact sheet in the Document Library.
The continuing damage and subsequent repairs to infrastructure at the identified parks is not a cost-effective approach for Council or the community. Relocation will ensure that monies are used cost-effectively, whilst maintaining a similar level of access to the community.
There is no external funding available for the repair of park infrastructure, leaving the costs with Council. While some repairs can be undertaken through insurance, the repeated claims lead to increased premiums and excess costs.
Council is aiming to commence works from September 2023.
The existing public toilets will be retained.
The parks will still be functional, but some may only be used as greenspace with limited or no park infrastructure.
Where it is practical to do so, Council will retain shaded seating in most parks.
Council will make every effort to relocate all of the removed infrastructure, where it can reasonably be salvaged. Given much of the identified infrastructure is damaged, relocation may not be viable.
Council will continue to maintain all of the impacted parks.
As the current situation of repeated damage requiring repair is not cost-effective, the monies saved by relocating the infrastructure can instead be used more effectively. This may mean enhancements in nearby parks with a lower risk of flooding, providing longer term sustainability for the equipment and better value for community funds.
At the beginning of 2023, Council advised the community of a plan for equipment in various parks across the region impacted by extreme rainfall. Following the community's feedback, Council has reassessed this project and will now be retaining more infrastructure than originally indicated.
As Council has thoroughly reviewed the history of flood damage for these parks, and considered all community feedback, Council’s engagement focus is to provide open, honest and meaningful information rather than undertake further consultation.
The details of the project are explained on this project website. The wider community will be advised of the project by a combination of signs installed within the identified parks, newspaper articles and fact sheets available at the Gatton and Laidley Customer Service Centres.
