December 11, 2012
Work will begin this week on a $46,100 upgrade to Proston Park in Rodney Street, Proston, after six months of community consultation meetings between Proston residents and the South Burnett Regional Council.
Proston Lions Club, Stanwell, Smithfield Feedlot, various community organisations and individuals have joined together with the Council to fund the improvements, which will include upgrading an existing BMX track; erecting a picnic shelter and barbecue and building a set of tables and chairs for visitors.
Plans have also been drawn up for a second stage of the project, which will focus on the installation of lighting, the construction of an amphitheatre, the development of walking and cycling trails and landscaping.
Cr Kathy Duff, the SBRC’s spokesperson for Natural Resources and Parks, said today that a wide cross-section of the Proston community had taken part in the project.
“We had over 30 people from 11 different organisations involved in planning the improvements,” she said.
“The Tarong Community Partnership Fund has provided $18,300 to go towards the picnic shelter and barbecue; Smithfield Feedlot has offered to donate soil, transportation and the machinery to build the BMX track, which has been designed by the local youth; and the Proston Lions have carried out fund-raising for the project as well.
“Council will be providing labour, plant and equipment for the upgrade.”
Nicole Connolly, from Stanwell, said the corporation was pleased to assist and thought it was encouraging to see the amount of community support the project had generated.
“This is a great example of different groups, businesses and the Council working together to improve park facilities for the people of Proston,” she said.
The upgrade follows community consultation meetings held on May 4, July 17 and October 25.
The first stage of the upgrade is expected to be completed by next May.
The second stage will be implemented when Council has sufficient funds, after which the precinct will be known as the Proston Common.
Note: An annotated copy of the Master Plan showing all the features the Council hopes to add to the park by the time Stage 2 is completed can be downloaded by clicking here (1.7Mb PDF)
