November 24, 2022
The $1.6 million Blackbutt streetscape and upgrade of Les Muller Park is almost complete.
A South Burnett Regional Council spokesperson said the project had been funded by Council and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
New infrastructure includes kerbs, textured and coloured footpaths, bike racks, seating, picnic shelters, upgraded playground soft fall and fencing, landscaping and trees.
The historic wagon display has also been upgraded.
The spokesperson said the design incorporates reflections of the Blackbutt town heritage and connection to the timber industry.
Timber planter boxes were made by local woodworkers.
The red iron bark used in the planter boxes and shelter in the street centre was harvested and milled locally.
Mayor Brett Otto described the park upgrade as a natural extension to the CBD redevelopment.
“Both projects are a part of Council’s rolling program of town centre upgrades across the region being implemented to enhance the liveability of our communities and support the growth of our tourism sector,” he said.
“Blackbutt is coming into its own as a popular lifestyle choice and tourist destination. The redevelopment work being completed by Council will help fuel this growth for years to come.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Gavin Jones said the growth and excitement around Blackbutt and Benarkin deserved the money spent on the Coulson Street upgrade and Les Muller Park.
“We needed this to accommodate future growth,” he said.
Cr Jones said the project would be fully completed with the installation of a mural on the Blackbutt Hardware wall facing Les Muller Park which aims to capture the history of the establishment of the town.
This mural will be funded by a grant from Stanwell.
The refurbishment of the town clock is scheduled to be completed in January.
