August 12, 2022
Tipperary Flat will present a brighter, more polished face to visitors and local residents when Nanango celebrates its 175th birthday next year.
Possible upgrades include the installation of a public firepit for outdoor gatherings, and a separate camping area so non-caravanners can bunk down in safety.
The park’s central water feature is also likely to be enhanced, and multiple entry and exit points rationalised so the camping area can operate in a more orderly way.
These ideas – and several others – were discussed at a public meeting held at the park on Friday morning.
The meeting was attended by about 25 representatives from the Nanango Tourism and Development Association, Nanango Lions, Nanango Men’s Shed and interested residents, as well as South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto and most councillors.
The on-site meeting was suggested by Cr Jane Erkens who recently persuaded the Council to invest $250,000 of grant funding into upgrading the park ahead of the town’s 2023 celebrations.
Cr Erkens said Tipperary Flat had been established by the former Nanango Shire Council to mark the town’s 150th birthday but had not had any significant upgrades since.
“Tipperary Flat is one of the first things visitors see when they come into Nanango and we want to make a good impression,” Cr Erkens said.
Friday morning’s meeting inspected the park’s layout and amenities, then heard suggestions about how the site could be improved.
As well as the firepit, other items discussed included better drainage to avoid water pooling after heavy rain; termite treatment to ensure the park’s wooden features were preserved; and raising the ground level slightly with gravelling to counter 25 years of compaction.
After the meeting, Cr Erkens told southburnett.com.au she thought the exercise had been very worthwhile.
She said the meeting on site allowed councillors to get a better understanding of what was required, and also allowed residents to advance their ideas about simple, practical improvements.
“I think it was a very positive meeting and I’m glad we held it,” Cr Erkens said.
Council officers will now take the meeting’s suggestions on board to design an upgrade plan.
This plan is expected to be presented to Council for approval within the next few months.
- Related article: $250,000 Upgrade For Rest Area
